The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has called on HS2 Ltd to begin engaging immediately with landowners who face having land compulsory purchased due to construction of HS2 Phase Two.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced today that the Government will aim to complete the route between Birmingham and Crewe by 2027, six years earlier than planned. As a result rural businesses along this section of the route now face years of uncertainty over the precise impact on their business.
CLA President Ross Murray said: “Families and businesses affected by compulsory purchase face many years of worry and uncertainty. HS2 Ltd and the Government must do all they can to minimise this harm that this presents to investment and jobs.
“HS2 Ltd failed to engage early enough with landowners and rural businesses on Phase One of the scheme and must learn the lessons of this and do dramatically better this time. Their failure has caused delays, frustration and additional unnecessary costs for all sides.”
“It is vital that HS2 Ltd immediately begins meaningful engagement with rural businesses affected by today’s announcement to discuss the best way to minimise the impact of HS2 on their business.”
