HS2 ~ How We Can Help

The Transport Secretary has announced that the scheme will go ahead. A hybrid bill to authorise the construction and give compulsory purchase powers will be put before Parliament in 2013.

Whilst concerns about property values are understandable, history shows that improved transport links tend to increase property values in areas with easy access to the new system.

Our Chartered Surveyors have much experience in compulsory purchase matters and can give advice and guidance on-

• The effect on property values whilst the scheme is just a proposal.
• The Exceptional Hardship Scheme to force a purchase by the Railway Company now, although it is thought that very few people will qualify for this.
• Blight Notices – To try to force a purchase if the route becomes safeguarded; this should probably happen in Autumn 2012.
• Compensation for land and property acquisition, if the scheme goes ahead, and various ‘accommodation works’ such as bridging two separated areas of land or sound proofing of nearby houses.

The ‘Acquiring Body’ pay all legal and surveyors fees etc. as part of the compensation awarded. They have a statutory obligation to pay the proper price for property, plus all incidental expenses such as fees and moving costs. They are not allowed to ‘get a cheap bargain’.

The Route in Detail

The line will run from Euston, through or past Primrose Hill, Kilburn, Queens Park, Kensal Green, Old Oak Common, North Acton, Perivale, Northolt, West Ruislip, Chalfont St. Peter, Amersham, Wendover, Aylesbury, Twyford, Brackley, Aston le Walls, Ladbroke, Southam, Offchurch, Cubbington, Stoneleigh, Crackley, Burton Green, Balsall Common, Hampton in Arden, N.E.C., Chelmsley Wood and Coleshill. From here it continues on past Middleton, Hints, Whittington and Lichfield to join the existing Trent Valley Line, with a spur through Water Orton, Castle Bromwich and Washwood Heath into a rebuilt station at Curzon Street/Fazeley Street, the terminus of the original London and Birmingham Railway in 1838.

HS2 Noise Comparison Video

Noise Impacts of high speed trains

• Approaching trains cannot be heard until they are almost level with you. The sound dissipates as soon as the train passes.
• Background noise of motorway behind embankment is audible as train approaches.
• Approaching train noise in tunnels can be heard.

Noise Comparison: Freight train - High speed train - Aircraft

• Freight trains can be heard approaching and after they have passed.
• The noise of an aircraft can clearly be heard even when the plane has passed overhead.