Landowners could get £1,000 access fee for HS2 studies

Feb 3 2012 By Jenny Coombes

LANDOWNERS in Harefield could be offered £1,000 by HS2 surveyors who want access to carry out environmental studies.

Environment and engineering survey work is about to take place along the planned route, which will cut through Harvil Road in the south of the village.

The ecology surveys will identify plants, animals and habitats that will be affected.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) negotiated the fee with the government, saying they wanted to get the best deal possible for people who were affected by the route.

There will be additional payments if further environmental surveys are required and HS2 Ltd will pay for any damage done or losses caused.

The first batch of letters to landowners requesting a site visit has now gone out and work is expected to start this month.

Alison Munro, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd said: “We hope to develop close working partnerships with those affected by the new line and this licensing arrangement is an important step in that direction.”

The Dogs Trust and Park Lodge Farm are among the privately owned-land that border the route and could be possibilities for planners to approach.

Doreen McIntyre, vice chairman of campaign group Harefield Against HS2. condemned the “spending spree,” saying it was another unknown cost of the project.

But she said the survey could also provide the proof needed that the route will do irreparable damage to the areas it disrupts.

She added: “We are offered some comfort by the fact that they are now looking at the environmental impact.

“This means they could now be put in an embarrasing position.

“If the environmental detail comes out they will have to look at things again.”