Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

HS2 Safeguarding

18 January 2024 · Department for Transport

Proposed by Mark Harper Con Forest of Dean

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The minister is lifting HS2 Phase 2a safeguarding directions between the West Midlands and Crewe.
  • The government aims to provide certainty to people along the former HS2 route and ease development.
  • The Rural Support Zone, Extended Homeowner Protection Zone, and Homeowner Payment schemes are closed for affected areas.

Issue summary

The minister is lifting the HS2 Phase 2a safeguarding directions between the West Midlands and Crewe, delivering on a commitment made in the Network North Command Paper.

Action requested

By lifting the safeguarding, the government provides certainty to people along the former route of HS2 and makes development easier. The Rural Support Zone, Extended Homeowner Protection Zone, and Homeowner Payment schemes are closed for affected areas, with the Need to Sell scheme remaining open temporarily as a safety net.

Key facts

  • Safeguarding Directions for HS2 Phase 2a between the West Midlands and Crewe have been lifted.
  • The decision follows commitments made in the Network North Command Paper published on 4 October 2023.
  • Rural Support Zone, Extended Homeowner Protection Zone, and Homeowner Payment schemes are closed in affected areas.
  • Need to Sell scheme remains open temporarily for those who meet criteria and have a compelling need to sell property.
  • Safeguarding will continue near Handsacre to connect Phase One of HS2 with the West Coast Main Line.
  • Phase 2b safeguarding amendments are committed by summer 2024.
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