CLA vows to fight HS2 on ‘archaic’ compulsory purchase rules
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, will appear before the HS2 Select Committee next week to give evidence against the “archaic” compulsory purchase system used to deliver HS2 which damages rural business.
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, will appear before the HS2 Select Committee next week to give evidence against the “archaic” compulsory purchase system used to deliver HS2 which damages rural business.
The organisation said its appearance in front of the Select Committee was a considerable investment on behalf of its members for an issue right at the heart of what the CLA stands for.
CLA President Henry Robinson said: “While HS2 Ltd and the Department of Transport tried to limit the scheme’s impact on the environment, it has failed to address the real impact it will have on those losing land and buildings to HS2.
“People affected by the route have spent five years with the Sword of Damocles hanging over their businesses. They have also spent hundreds of hours meeting with HS2 Ltd to assess the impact of the scheme on their businesses and trying to find a way to maintain a viable business into the future. For these people, HS2 Ltd has offered little due to the archaic compulsory purchase rules which waste time and money, and they have no idea when they will receive any of the compensation due to them.”
The CLA said it is vital the Government accepts that the current compulsory purchase system is unfair and must be reformed.
Mr Robinson added: “There are things HS2 Ltd could do outside of the legislative reform to make the process more tolerable for those affected, such as amending some of the information papers, and bringing forward assurances that the scheme can work for landowners, farmers and businesses.
“It is important that those losing land and buildings to the scheme, or whose land and businesses are severed by the proposals, are not forgotten. These are the people who have to tolerate, close up, one of the biggest railway building projects delivered in the UK for years.”
Northamptonshire farmer and CLA member Nigel Bellingham, called as a witness to the Select Committee said: “I fully support the CLA and its work to reform compulsory purchase law. It is a great opportunity to appear in front of the Committee and make my case directly to MPs. It is essential they listen to how local businesses are so badly affected by HS2.”
