HS2: Necessary Ambition or a Misplaced Folly?
There have been numerous articles and much debate in relation to the new high speed rail which has been proposed. At present, the plans are that by 2026 a new fully functional high speed rail link will be operational. However, attitudes and views are very firmly split. As a firm, we have seen a number of new enquiries from people whose properties might be affected.
The project, which comprises of over a 100km of new railway including 21km of new twin-bore rail tunnels and 10 new stations, will have significant impact on properties along the proposed route including disruption, decreased values, noise pollution and the possible threat of compulsory purchase orders.
The Department of Transport has stated that it calculates compensation as being at 110% of the value of homes that will be affected by the plans. However, this is not a hard and fast rule and others may be entitled to more, but this has not swayed local communities who are still voicing strong objections to the development.
Supporters of the link claim that it will be good for business; it will create jobs and will bring an end to the so-called North/South divide. Other supposed benefits include making Britain a world leader in engineering once again; the train will be better for freight; more business investment will happen; our train system will be brought into the 21st century; there will be fewer cars on the road; and it will be an alternative to air travel.
Whilst on the flip-side, those against it claim that people will lose their homes which will, in turn, directly harm communities; businesses will close down; the saving of 40 minutes in journey times is not worth the investment; there is a lack of public money with which to fund it; the obvious environmental issues; the potential rises in the cost of travel; and the fact that it may actually widen the regional divide as more northern professionals will have easier access to London.
As a businesswoman it is hard not to be swayed by the claims of the government but my biggest fear on a very real level is that it will create a local talent/ brain drain which could be devastating to our regional economy. This is further compounded by the irreversible affect that it will have on the countryside and local communities and the fact that is it likely to be already out of date with its European counterparts once completed.
My view is clear: The building of HS2 is just not necessary.
