HS2 protesters see a silver lining despite legal ‘defeat’
HS2 ministers may be forced to pay out more fairly and to more homes, hope campaigners following a High Court decision.
The government’s 2011 consultation on compensation for Stage 1 of the HS2 route was deemed “so unfair as to be unlawful” in the High Court.
Lord Justice Ouseley ruled that not enough information was provided to consultees, and that the criteria by which compensation options were considered were not adequately explained.
It was just one out of ten major challenges put forward by protestors which was upheld. And after the government assured it would launch a fresh consultation as a result, campaigners are hoping it will finally mean a fairer deal for those blighted by the proposed high speed rail tracks in Kenilworth and Burton Green.
Joe Rukin, town Stop HS2 campaigner, described the outcome as ‘very positive’ and welcomed any ruling which may make the government widen the net for payouts.
“This just proves what we have been saying all along that the compensation is not adequate,” he said.
“The fact that only houses within 120 metres of the line are eligible for serious compensation just shows that we desperately need a better deal and we can use this opportunity to secure one.
“If we can spread the compensation net wider as a result then that will be an excellent outcome, but sadly it does mean that all the work up to now has been a waste of time.
“We can only hope at this stage, but it is all good news. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners can now take solace from the ruling that they were not properly consulted on compensation.”
Current proposals mean only those within 120 metres of the tracks are guaranteed full market value for their homes.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kenilworth
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 14 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
