Throughout the session, Rachel drew heavily on direct conversations with NFU members, whether at NFU Council last week or when visiting farms impacted by HS2. She said the messages she heard from members were clear and consistent – after decades of poor treatment under major infrastructure projects, the idea of expanding compulsory purchase powers without reform “sent shivers down members’ spines”.
Especially given, as Rachel pointed out, “so many farmers impacted by HS2 are still waiting for payment”.
Rachel broke down the compulsory purchase order element of the Bill into two parts.
The Bill proposes changes to ‘hope value’, the additional value uplift attributed to land based on the anticipated increase in its worth due to the expectation of future development.
“When you lay down a compulsory purchase order on a farm, you’re not just taking someone’s business, you’re taking their home,” Rachel explained. “There has to be fair reward to that person.”
What should happen if someone makes a commercial gain from the compulsory purchase of land? Then, Rachel insisted, the farmer being forced to give it up must also be compensated properly, enough to relocate, rebuild, and move forward.
Lack of trust
Rachel was also unequivocal in her warning to MPs about clause 72 which would give Natural England compulsory purchase powers.
With barely any explanation or justification from government, she told the Committee: “We do not believe the Committee should vote for this clause to stand part of the Bill.”
The NFU fears that farmland could be at risk, and Rachel stressed the lack of trust many farmers already feel towards Natural England.
That doesn’t mean the NFU is anti-growth she stressed – far from it. Rachel reaffirmed the NFU’s support for the government’s ambition to grow the economy.
Farmers want a planning system that backs sustainable, productive farm businesses delivering for both food security and the environment.
Confidence collapse
However, Rachel warned, confidence is on a knife edge.
“If we’re going to get anywhere near rebuilding confidence and trust between the agricultural community and government, especially given everything else going on, then this has got to stop.”
The Public Bill Committee will continue to take evidence before voting on the Bill clause by clause.
