NFU Vice President David Exwood has written to Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper highlighting the need for the government to develop a ‘transparent policy’ to ensure farmers and former landowners can purchase land back, with a first option of refusal.
He said: “Many farmers have been left with more uncertainty and delay after part of the HS2 project was cancelled. They must have a fair and swift resolution when it comes to land compensation and restoration.”
David also raised concerns around how the government is resolving issues surrounding HS2 disruption and the eventual phase 2 cancellation, urging them to “accelerate the process” as swiftly as possible.
The NFU is calling for land to be returned to its former condition where required, for outstanding crop loss payments to be finalised and paid out, as well as any outstanding compensation claims that have been made by farmers.
Where a Blight Notice has been served and accepted, the NFU asks that the notice is proceeded with unless the claimant prefers otherwise.
David also emphasised the importance that the Department for Transport acts quickly to understand the many different scenarios that landowners will find themselves in which need to be addressed, adding that this “will help to lead to a fair and equitable outcome for all parties involved”.
He added: “The current level of uncertainty surrounding the HS2 project is unsettling for many members and the broader community, and it’s essential that the many farm businesses already so badly disrupted by this project can start to rebuild their businesses and get back to doing what they do best – producing climate-friendly and nutritious food for the country.”
