HS2: Important information for members

The CLA has been monitoring the progress of the HS2 project since its inception. Now the routes for both phases have been announced it is vital that affected members keep up to date with developments and take advice as soon as possible.

If you are affected by HS2 please contact CLA Regional Surveyor Tim Broomhead at the regional office to ensure you receive our regular updates.
 
We also need evidence as to how you will be affected by the scheme – this is vital if we are to continue to lobby effectively on your behalf. Again, please contact Tim Broomhead with details.

Background
In March 2010 the government announced the route of HS2.  It has been agreed at Policy committee and Council that the CLA is not in a position to argue against the scheme as a whole, although there may be specific issues relating to members properties in which our expertise in Compulsory Purchase and compensation terms where we will be able to help members.  We will however have a role in the consultation process defending landowner interests and furthering our arguments on Compulsory Purchase which we have made for many years.
 
Timetable for Phase One: London to West Midlands (map of route available here)
2013 – Consultation on Environmental Statement & submission of Hybrid Bill to Parliament
2014 – Progress of Hybrid Bill through Parliament
2015 – Target year for Royal Assent that gives HS2 all the necessary powers.
2017 – Construction of Phase 1 starts
2026 – HS2 Opens for fare paying passengers
 
Timetable for Phase Two: West Midlands to Manchester and Leeds (map of route available here)
An announcement is expected imminently on Phase 2 of HS2 from the Midlands to York and the Midlands to Manchester and well as the spur from Phase 1 to Heathrow
2013    Announcement of preferred route
2014    Public consultation on preferred route
2015    preparation of Environmental Statements, Engineering drawings and second Hybrid Bill
2033    open to fare paying passengers
 
CLA Action
We have worked in conjunction with the NFU and CAAV to ensure that we have a common approach for the whole of the rural area.
We have had regular meetings with HS2 Ltd to demonstrate our knowledge of the route and to press upon them the importance and unique position that landowners hold in HS2.  Most of our members will be in situ from the very outset of the scheme through to its completion perhaps over a 16 year period.
We have established a Working Group of landowners, farmers and Chartered Surveyors who either have land directly affected by the scheme or who represent a significant number of clients who are.  This group will demonstrate to HS2 Ltd the geographic area we cover and the enormous amount of expertise within this group.  As the scheme progresses others may be asked to join the group (e.g. lawyers and engineers) either for a period of time or to complete certain tasks.

The consultation on the Exceptional Hardship Scheme: Phase Two
On 28 January 2013, the Secretary of State for Transport, announced the launch of the Exceptional Hardship Scheme consultation for properties affected by Phase Two of HS2 between West Midlands and Manchester and Leeds. This consultation will close on 29 April 2013. For further details click here
 
CLA Compulsory Purchase Policy
The CLA has published Fair Play: CLA vision for reform of the compulsory purchase system, a policy report which sets out a framework for root-and-branch reform of the compulsory purchase system.
 
Member Queries
Individual member queries will be dealt with in the usual way – please contact the regional office
 
HS2 Website
Full information on both phases with maps, news, consultations and forums can be found at www.hs2.org.uk
 
Useful background
The Arthur Rank Centre has produced a useful briefing containing information for communities affected by High Speed Rail 2, which can be found here
 
CLA – lobbying on your behalf
At the CLA we use our members' experiences and concerns to help change the law be it overturning bad regulations, improving legislation in the interests of our members or resisting introductions of laws that would have unintended consequences for landowners. Our policies encompass all aspects of landownership and rural life with a particular focus on the protection of private property rights and the facilitation of rural economic development across England and Wales. As a result, our policy work and lobbying successes benefit all our members.
 
Every landowner affected by HS2 will benefit from joining the CLA. To find out more about membership call CLA South East on 01264313434.