Property and landowners affected by high-speed rail from London to the North could receive more generous compensation.
The High Court dismissed nine out of the 10 challenges to the way the government consulted on the route but it granted leave to appeal the proposed compensation scheme for property and land owners affected by the first stage of the High Speed 2 project. The Court of Appeal could refer the decision to the European Court of Justice which could see the battle drag on for years. The High Court also left open the possibility that opponents could renew their challenge to the project once the planning process completes. The Department for Transport (DfT) took a glass half-full attitude and called it “a major landmark victory for HS2 and the future of Britain”. However, it confirmed it would hold fresh consultations on the compensation options. Campaigners against the project said they had won a “landmark” victory. The Daily Telegraph says the government will have to consider campaigners’ proposals for a property bond to underwrite the value of homes most affected.
16/03/13 Financial Times 4
Times 17
Daily Telegraph 12
Independent 20
Guardian 8
