HS2: the latest

The latest on plans to build a High Speed Rail link between London and the Midlands.

Latest ITV News reports

Public meeting held in Nottingham over High Speed 2

Computerised image of HS2
Computerised image of HS2 Credit: HS2 Ltd.

People concerned about the impact of a High Speed rail station in Nottinghamshire will hold a public meeting tonight.

It was announced in January that a station would be built at Toton Sidings near Beeston. It is part of the second branch of HS2 that will serve the East Midlands.

The local council says the plans will affect development and houses in the area.

Read more on this, here.

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Full report: Confusion over HS2 compensation

Anti-HS2 protesters are claiming a victory over the way the Government has handled the compensation issue, that may lead to more people getting financial help in areas blighted by the project.

But others say they remain confused about the compensation they will be entitled to for losing their homes.

They say they have already faced years of worry because of uncertainty over the exact location of the route and how they will be affected.

Full report: Villagers along HS2 route celebrate victory

Villagers along the route of the proposed High-Speed Two rail-line are celebrating a victory in their campaign against the project. In an embarrassing turn for the government, a judge has ruled their proposed HS2 compensation scheme is unlawful.

Four other legal challenges proved unsuccessful, much to the dismay of protestors, but to the delight of business leaders and those who say the new fast link from Birmingham to London is vital to the economy of the whole of the Midlands.

Wesley Smith reports from London on events at the High Court.

'This project is vital for the economy' says HS2 chief

A High Court judge has ruled in favour of campaigners challenging the Government's handling of HS2, the high speed rail route through the Midlands.

Although he rejected all but one of five legal challenges, Mr. Justice Ouseley said the Government's consultation process was unlawful.

HS2 Ltd argue the high-speed rail will boost the economy:

"This project is vital for the economy and for our country going forward. We need the capacity , we need to improve the connectivity between our major cities. The judgement today gives us the green light to press on with the project and deliver that for our major cities."

National

Anti-HS2 group wants property bonds from Govt

A spokesman for the anti-HS2 group that was successful in its High Court case over the compensation consultation suggested that the Government should issue property bonds:

We don't have a value for what the compensation bill will be.

One way for the Government to help would be to issue property bonds to ensure the housing market remains liquid.

Existing owners may have to sell at a discount because of the blight.

But bonds could be issued to ensure the person buying would have a guarantee that the Government would make up the difference if the price fell below a certain level.

This could help prevent people being unable to sell and remaining trapped in their homes for a long period of time when a change in their circumstances, such as a change of job, required them to sell.

– HS2AA spokesman Richard Houghton

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National

High Court ruling could delay HS2 for years

Fierce campaigns are being fought to stop HS2 development in certain areas. Credit: PA

The High Court is to rule today on legal challenges to the Government's HS2 high-speed rail scheme.

Opponents are asking a judge in London to declare in a series of five cases that the multi-billion pound project is legally flawed and must be sent back for reconsideration.

The first phase of HS2 would see a high-speed railway line running through Tory heartlands from London to Birmingham.

The scheme has polarised opinion, with many residents' groups and local councils bitterly opposing it, but supporters point out the benefits of a reduction in journey times between the UK's two biggest cities.

If successful, the legal challenge could potentially delay the scheme for years.

Government to re-consult on HS2 compensation

HS2 promotional image Credit: HS2 Ltd

The government will have to reconsult on compensation for people who live along the route of the proposed HS2 after a High Court judge ruled in favour of an anti-HS2 protest group.

The HS2AA group financed the case after appealing to the community for help.

Mr. Justice Ouseley upheld the challenge to the government's proposed compensation scheme on the grounds its consultation process was so unfair as to be unlawful .

Four other challenges to the Secretary of State were rejected. Joe Rukin from HS2AA said he was happy that one of the group's claims was upheld, but that HS2 would still be a disaster for many in the Midlands.

HS2 Ltd told ITV News Central, they are delighted with the overall outcome and HS2 is now on track bringing a boost to the region's economy with a super fast link from Birmingham to London. It will cost £33bn.

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