NFU encouraged by HS2 Committee Chair’s letter to the Secretary of State
The Chairman of the HS2 Select Committee, Robert Syms, has written to the Secretary of State this week, asking that a set of planning guidelines be agreed to deal with specific rebuilding problems raised by the NFU at its evidence giving session in the House of Commons last month. The issue is that farmers who […]
NFU argues for HS2 to keep farms in business
The NFU’s evidence, given over two days, explained to the Committee the far reaching impact of the HS2 project on farmers and highlighted the glaring inadequacy of the compulsory purchase code. The NFU believes that the Committee can take steps to cure elements of the Code and prevent poor interpretation, meaning a better chance of achieving […]
CLA sets out robust case for landowner protections before HS2 Committee
The Association, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, also rejected last minute assurances by HS2 Ltd given on the eve of their appearance at the Select Committee. Andrew Shirley, CLA Chief Surveyor and expert witness said: “The compulsory purchase arrangements for HS2 are grossly unfair and create a David verses Goliath situation between the […]
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 organisation said its appearance in front of the Select Committee was a considerable investment on behalf of its members […]
Transport Secretary forgets farmers and rural businesses during HS2 debate
The organisation said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Shadow Transport Secretary Mary Creagh simply ignored the plight of landowners while promoting the benefits of HS2. CLA President Henry Robinson said: “Property owners along the route have suffered for the past four years due to this project, and will continue to suffer as it progresses. “Many […]
CLA takes HS2 campaign to Westminster
The event saw panel guests Caroline Spelman MP, Department for Transport Director of Policy, Funding and Legislation Martin Capstick and CLA Chief Surveyor Andrew Shirley debate the issues surrounding compulsory purchase and compensation for HS2. The organisation set out its manifesto for reform and called for the CLA Property Bond Scheme, fair compensation, a duty […]
HS2 proposal fails to consider whether farm businesses can survive
After the NFU submitted its evidence to the latest part of the consultation over the project, NFU Head of Policy, Dr Andrew Clark, said big question marks still remained about the cost-effectiveness of the project and the benefits it would bring. “Farmers and growers recognise the importance of investing in the nation’s infrastructure to ensure […]
CLA welcomes extra time for HS2 responses
The organisation said the extra time gives landowners the opportunity to consider the 50,000-page document which looks at environmental issues and details environmental mitigation measures. But the document does not give sufficient detail on how individual habitat mitigation will be delivered and why the use of compulsory purchase is necessary. CLA President Henry Robinson said:”The […]
Bill must be fair to the victims of HS2 compulsory purchase
CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “HS2 has become a political football with yards of controversial media coverage. Yet all the while, farmers, other land managers and rural businesses along the proposed route are really suffering. “With the huge level of uncertainty, they simply can’t invest in their businesses. The best the victims of compulsory purchase […]