The Minister responsible for overseeing HS2 is to look again at the suitability of the HS2 property compensation package currently being offered to residents living in Long Eaton following pressure from Erewash MP Maggie Throup.
During a Parliamentary debate on Phase 2b of the HS2 route, which will eventually run through Long Eaton, Sandiacre and Stanton Gate, Maggie urged the Government to consider scraping the “one size fits all” approach to property compensation and replacing it with a bespoke scheme that reflects the unique nature of the property market in the area.
Maggie also called on the Minister to “get a grip” of HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for building the new line, which she branded “woefully inadequate”.
Responding to Maggie’s comments in the debate, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Paul Maynard MP, praised her efforts to stand up for local residents and promised to look again at the compensation package, saying:
“I noted the concerns that my hon. Friend raised about how some specific local circumstances make the existing package not always appropriate. I have heard that message and will ask officials to look more closely at Long Eaton in particular.”
Following the debate Maggie added:
“Under the current scheme it is almost impossible for those Long Eaton residents whose homes are being acquired for Phase 2b of HS2 to purchase a like-for-like property in the immediate area, with houses even just a couple of streets away unaffordable with the compensation package currently on offer.
“I have always been clear that no one should lose out as a result of this major infrastructure project, so I am delighted that the Minister has now agreed to look again at property compensation.
“I was also determined to highlight the significant failings of HS2 Ltd, whose treatment of residents has been shameful.
“It is my hope that the Department for Transport will now takes heed of this warning and get a grip of the situation at the earliest opportunity.”