Earlier this month, the government announced that the safeguarding of land and property across the majority of Phase 2a had been removed. The NFU had been calling on government to provide much needed clarity surrounding safeguarding and this was very much welcomed.
However, during the meeting, the NFU raised the ongoing issues with safeguarding on phase 2b going to Manchester, and the eastern leg going to Leeds. It was reiterated that the safeguarding on this section will be lifted later this summer.
Land must be returned urgently
The NFU continued to call for the urgent return of land acquired by HS2 Ltd to the former farmers and landowners.
We will be having ongoing conversations with Department for Transport on timescales and when we are likely to receive an announcement from government on this, which we will update members on in due course.
The meeting also covered the longstanding issues surrounding compensation, alternative methods of dispute resolution where an agreement cannot be reached and how land which is no longer being used will be maintained.
The NFU stand ready to work with government to navigate these challenges which continue to affect members.
Step in the right direction
“This was a positive meeting which allowed us to spell out clearly to government the concerns many of our members have and the urgent need for a fair and swift resolution.”
NFU Vice President David Exwood
Following the meeting, NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “This was a positive meeting which allowed us to spell out clearly to government the concerns many of our members have and the urgent need for a fair and swift resolution when it comes to land being offered back to former landowners, compensation and restoration.
“There is still so much uncertainty surrounding the HS2 project and it’s essential that those farm businesses which have been already so badly disrupted can start to rebuild and get back to doing what they do best – producing food and caring for the great British countryside.”
The NFU hopes this cross-government meeting provides a step in the right direction for an open channel of communication to ensure farm businesses already so badly disrupted by this project can start to rebuild their businesses.
