Farmers and landowners experience "poor treatment" from HS2
CLA President Mark Tufnell responds to latest cancellation of the HS2 rail network and its corresponding impact on rural businesses
The cancellation of HS2 rail route from Birmingham to Manchester was announced this week by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Responding to the news, CLA President Mark Tufnell said:
“Many farmers and landowners on the HS2 route have experienced poor treatment at the hands of HS2 Ltd, including delayed payments and poor contractor practices.
“Our members may not greet the news that another part of the project has now been cancelled with the relief that might be expected. There is currently no right for the original landowner to get their land back. HS2 Ltd may sell the land on the open market, and it could be bought by anyone."
Given the increased use of Compulsory Purchase Orders for infrastructure, the CLA is calling on government to extend this ‘right of first refusal’ to all land that has been subject to compulsory purchase by HS2 Ltd