The government has launched two consultations on the impact of High Speed 2 (HS2).
The first consultation covers compensation measures for homeowners affected by the first phase of the HS2 rail link. These include a government commitment to buy any owner-occupied home in the 'safeguarded area' closest to the route, a hardship scheme to help residents who need to move but are unable to sell their property and measures to help homeowners living in properties above tunnels. It discusses establishing a 'voluntary purchase zone'. This is where land lies outside the safeguarded zone but where home owners can sell their homes at the full 'unblighted' value.
A separate three-month consultation is under way on safeguarding land that is needed to build and run the HS2 line between London and the West Midlands. This consultation is aimed primarily at local authorities.
The measures are subject to consultation until 31 January 2013.
Read more about the consultations