HS2 compensation meetings planned

PEOPLE living close to HS2 railway line can find out full details about the compensation available.

A series of meetings will be held at location along the route between London and Birmingham over the next few weeks.

Representatives from HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport will discuss the scheme which would give homeowners the option of selling their house to the government at market value plus 10 per cent up to £47,000 as compensation.

There will also be a voluntary purchase scheme for homes immediately outside the so-called safeguarded area to be sold at market value and a hardship scheme for people affected during the building process.

Consultation meetings take place in this area at:

- Burton Green Village Hall on Saturday, November 17.

- The Kenilworth Centre in Kenilworth on Tuesday, December 11.

- Loft at the Bluebell Centre in Chelmsley Wood on Thursday, November 29.

- The Sanctuary in Castle Vale on Tuesday, November 20.

HS2 will be built in two phases with the section from London to the West Midlands expected to open in 2026 with the second section to Manchester and Leeds and connection to Heathrow in 2032-33.

Alison Munro, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, said: "We do understand the impact it will have on people living close to the line and the Government has recently published a range of property compensation measures for consultation.

"The information events we are running are an opportunity for those directly affected to come and discuss the proposals in more detail with our property teams."

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