Government braced for HS2 protests

The proposed high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has been extended to include Manchester and Leeds, officials have announced. Overcrowding will be eased, journey times will be cut and business activity will be stimulated by the move, it is claimed. Business leaders in the regions have welcomed the move, although the Government is braced for protests from the rural areas affected by the new route, with the initial HS2 plan having attracted fierce opposition from countryside campaigners and MPs in areas such as the Chilterns. Residents in those areas have said they will not gain economically from the plan while also experiencing damage to their picturesque environments. The High Court is currently assessing whether the £32.7 billion scheme’s first phase between London and Birmingham is legally flawed. Meanwhile, the possible inclusion of Heathrow within the new high-speed network has been put on the back burner pending the findings of Sir Howard Davies’ review of future airport capacity, which is not expected to be published in full until summer 2015. If you are affected by HS2, contact our real estate dispute resolution lawyers for advice on your options. Call us on 08456 381381 or email propertydisputes@ibblaw.co.uk.