Dr Andrew Clark, NFU Head of Policy Services, said HS2 needed to do more work to ensure all farmers were fully aware of the impact the project was likely to have on their businesses.
He also said the Environmental Statement made no distinction between the amount of land needed for the line itself and the land being taken to create wildlife habitat and mitigate its environmental impact.
HS2 - ongoing concerns
- Implement a binding and comprehensive duty of care that sets standards and timescales for the conduct of HS2, its contractors and sub-contractors during construction.
- Appoint an independent ombudsman to swiftly resolve breaches to this duty of care.
- Incorporate a substantial programme of ‘accommodation works’ within HS2 construction plans to minimise long term impacts on farm businesses.
- Promptly pay enhanced compensation reflecting the dislocation, distress and income lost as a result of the project.
- Consult regularly and honestly with farmers and growers and their representatives throughout the project.
“HS2 presents a potential double-whammy for farmers,” he said.
“Firstly, the significant areas that have been highlighted for habitat creation and tree planting will be taking land out of agricultural production. This is unacceptable, given that farm land is already being lost to the HS2 line.
“Second, we would also argue that any new habitat created should simply replace what is lost, not create vast new areas building on the bigger and better principle.
“HS2 also needs to do more to make sure all farmers have been contacted and properly informed so they fully appreciate the impact on their businesses. If compensatory open space is going to be required and created it should be done through direct negotiation with landowners. It should not just appear on a map.
“It’s vital that the Environmental Statement includes more bridges and underpasses for severed farmland. Farm businesses must be provided with access to a severed block of land to enable the business to remain viable. Importantly, this access needs to be fit for purpose. The width of agricultural machinery, along with its weight, will need to be properly considered in the planning for new tracks or bridges.”
Dr Clark said the NFU also had concerns with the accuracy of the information included in the Statement about the temporary and permanent effects of HS2.
“It is essential the amount of land being taken permanently and temporarily should be clearly highlighted. The percentage of land within the affected counties is significant and will have a major impact on individual farm businesses. We feel the Statement has not taken this impact into account. We continue to question the public investments in HS2; it should offer a positive return,” he said.