The proposed high speed rail link between London and the West Midlands (commonly referred to as 'HS2') has implications for practitioners working in residential conveyancing and commercial property.
The HS2 scheme is still in its early stages. A consultation on the government's proposed high speed rail strategy and the recommended route for HS2 was launched by the Department for Transport on 28 February 2011.
A final decision on whether the Government will proceed with the construction of HS2 is expected at the end of 2011.
Practitioners need to be aware of the proposals and consider whether it is necessary to make enquiries to establish whether the property or land in question may be affected. While there is a possibility that the scheme will not go ahead, there is still the potential for blight.
Property or land may be temporarily affected by the HS2 construction works and the resultant noise pollution or in more serious cases, it may become the subject of a compulsory purchase order.
Owners of affected property may also find that their close proximity to the HS2 results in a reduction in the value of their property.
The proposed HS2 route is available on the HS2 consultation website.
Further information on the HS2 scheme, including the availability of a new HS2 search, can be found on the SearchFlow website.