Community Impact

One of the biggest issues regarding HS2, that many seem to be concerned about,

is the villages and communities it will destroy. The new high speed rail train will

be passing through many towns such as Burton Green, Mexborough, Berkswell,

Turweston, and Thorpe Mandeville just to name a few. Not only does this mean

that communities could be torn apart, and in the case of Burton Green, split

down the middle, but it also means those left in the community will find it

difficult to cope and if they do want to move on they will find it extremely tricky

to sell their property.

In its defence the government has made some efforts to compensate people

directly affected by HS2 with their various plans they have put into action. They

have an “Express purchase scheme”, this is where they buy houses directly

affected by HS2 at their ‘unblighted values’ (its original amount if HS2 were not

there). They also have set up a “Need to Sell Scheme”, this is where there is a

compelling reason to sell ones property but cannot due to HS2 plans. As pointed

out on the Gov.uk website a compelling reason might include “unemployment,

relocation for a new job or ill health”. They are also offering a “Homeowner

Payment Scheme” where they are offering compensation to people who live

within 300 metres of the line and depending on where you live you could get a

sum up to £22,500. [1]

In contrast however the applications for the government’s “exceptional hardship

scheme” has now been declared as closed. Without this there seems to be a lack

of acknowledgment that although ones property might not be demolished or

within 300 metres of the “Homeowner Payment Band” or although one may not

have an “compelling reason” there will still be huge affects on the people who

continue to live in their houses in the affected area. These people will not receive

any kind of compensation or any kind of aid in the selling of their house even

though ones sense of community life could be completely demolished.

Beyond the “Need to Sell” scheme the government makes little attempt to

differentiate between the different ways in which HS2 will affect people, in big

and small ways, and to what extent.

As a result homeowners in affected areas appear to be presented with a kind of

catch 22 situation. They could stay in their houses and deal with the effects of the

train including noise, building works and the sudden fracturing of the

community. Or as their alternative they can try and sell their houses even though

it would be extremely hard to sell it for the price they bought it for and even if

they do decide to continue to sell they will most probably make a significant loss

or not be able to sell it all. It looks like for many the decision has already been

made for them.

REFERENCE:

[1] Claim compensation if your property is affected by HS2: Need to Sell Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation- if-affected- by-hs2/need- to-sell-

scheme