Work on phase one of the HS2 project from London to Birmingham will continue after a High Court ruled in the Government’s favour on nine out of 10 points being challenged as part of a Judicial Review.
However, the consultation into compensation for those affected along the route was ruled “unlawful” by the judge. Rail minister Simon Burns MP has now decided that instead of appealing this decision the Government will re-run the consultation in line with the judge’s finding that, “further consideration should have been given to other potential compensation models.”
NFU planning adviser Ivan Moss said: “The NFU will study the transcript of the court’s decision as soon as it is available. The fact that the Government will have to re-consult on their compensation proposals is good news as it gives another opportunity to press the case for a fair compensation system based on a Property Bond which has widespread support.”