Homeowners ‘not told of HS2 threat’

Residents who live near a planned high-speed railway route will not find out if their properties are being demolished until at least summer 2012, it has been claimed. HS2 Ltd, the company that was established by the Government to build the line, has written to a number of households in one of the proposed areas, Ruislip, informing them that they are in the ‘buffer zone’. The firm has claimed that if the Government moves forward with the £32 billion project, only 10 properties in the London borough will need to be demolished. But, unless they request the information, homeowners will not be directly told until mid-to-late 2012. Lottie Jones, chairman of Ruislip Against HS2 (RAHS2), has claimed that HS2 Ltd was deliberately keeping information from the residents. She told the Gazette: “They said to us that if someone in one of the 10 homes writes to them, they will tell them. They do have the information they just don’t want to give it out.” Mrs Jones also disputed the number of homes that the company has said will need to go. “We are so sure they have grossly underestimated the homes that will be affected. We can see it will be more. They have used 2009 ordnance survey maps, but more flats have been built in West Ruislip since then.” She added: “They said they would use our gardens during construction, then put them back again. They even said they would relocate Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre, and put it back afterwards. Anyone who has been there knows that isn’t possible. “There is so much more they aren’t letting on, I just don’t know how they can call this a consultation if they are withholding information.” In response, a HS2 spokesman said: “We are happy to answer any questions that residents in the area have with as much detail as is currently available.”

For more information on HS2 claims and compensation please contact our real estate dispute resolution team on 08456 381381 or propertydisputes@ibblaw.co.uk.