HS2: Amersham residents on HS2 path slapped with compulsory purchase orders

Residents in Amersham and Chiltern district could lose their homes to the HS2 plan after those who are directly afflicted by the high speed rail link received a letter saying their properties will be 'compulsory purchased'.

Two days after the announcement by the Government that the HS2 scheme was going ahead, the letters started landing on resident's doormats. Each letter stated that from HS2 Limited's 'own initial work the property that you own or occupy is within the proposed line of the route, and will need to be acquired by the scheme'.

For some residents this is the first indication that their property is affected by the HS2 line. Many other residents who live near to the line and will be impacted, albeit it not directly, have yet to receive any communication from HS2 Limited.

Leader of Chiltern District Council, Councillor Nick Rose said: "HS2 Limited is anxious to start acquiring properties now. 

"Many of our residents have already been suffering uncertainty and blight since 2010; this is unacceptable. We are urging anyone who believes they might be affected by the proposed rail link to contact HS2 Limited as soon possible. Don't wait for a letter, get advice now and be careful what you agree to.

"We will be doing all we can to keep our residents informed about HS2 and will continue to fight hard against this misguided route which has no business, economic or environmental case."

If you have a query about HS2, call 020 7944 4908 or email HS2enquiries@hs2.gsi.gov.uk. 

If you want copies of the Government's booklets on compensation and compulsory purchase call 0300 123 1124 between 8am and 8pm or visit the Department for Communities and Local Government website - www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/compulsorypurchase

HAVE YOU RECEIVED A LETTER? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOMES TO HS2? Please comment below…