HS2: Homeowners offered cash to make way for high-speed rail line
New compensation deals have been offered to home-owners and businesses along the proposed route of the high-speed rail line HS2 in Staffordshire.
From today residents and small business owners based close to the 33-mile stretch from Lichfield to Swynnerton will be able to sell their homes to the government for the unblighted value plus 10 per cent.
Compensation payments of between £30,000 and £100,000 will also be available for those based between 60 metres (196ft) and 120 metres (393ft).
And those situated between 120 metres and 300 metres (984ft) will be able to get payments of £7,500 to £22,500 once the HS2 legislation is passed.
Homeowners can also sell their property to the government and rent it back.
And anyone living any distance but affected by the line can apply to have their home or business premises bought if they can provide a compelling reason.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said he remains opposed to the HS2 scheme but he was 'pleased' the offers had been announced.
He said: "I am pleased that these schemes have been announced and come into force today.
"I remain opposed to HS2 and will continue to make the case against it in Parliament and elsewhere.
"However, the number one priority is that all affected constituents get the compensation and help that they deserve.
"I would encourage all eligible constituents to apply for the scheme that best suits them and my office will be happy to help anyone who would like assistance with their applications."
Changes also mean eligible owner-occupiers can nominate local surveyors to value their property.
HS2 will cost £55.7bn and the stretch through Staffordshire is set to open in 2027 - six years earlier than previous planned.
It will pass through the villages of Colton, Stockwell Heath, Great Haywood, Ingestre, Hopton, Marston and Yarlet.
Experts have said the cost of £105m per kilometre is five time more than a similar line being built in France.
And a new report published by academics specialising in transport for the website Passenger Transport Networks claims that the scheme would not provide value for money.
Penny Gaines, chairman of Stop HS2 said: "HS2 fails most of its own criteria and at £56bn that's a very high price tag for something that fails so badly.
"HS2 has always been the solution looking for a problem."
