HS2 review misses key points, say farm valuers


The retailer wants the extra money invested in environmental measures


A review of HS2’s land and prop- erty acquisition has missed some fundamental points, says the Cen- tral Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). The review, initiated by the Department for Transport in the summer, tried to address a wide range of concerns raised by several different parties in- volved with HS2, explains CAAV policy adviser Kate Russell (pictured). “Perhaps inevitably, the result is a piecemeal series of recommendations. While some are very wel- come – like better communi- cation and more fl exibility – we are disappointed that some of the really impor- tant factors do not ap- pear to be addressed.” Recommendations included calls for a


better and more courteous com- munication with affected parties, a more fl exible approach to set- tling compensation claims, and more certainty on when land might be taken. The CAAV has previously


argued that a more fl exible ap- proach needed to be taken to compensation, especially as no two farms, businesses or properties affected by the scheme are identical. “We look forward to see- ing how this could be im- plemented, because it’s like- ly to require a change in mindset within HS2,” says Ms Russell. “The commitment to improve IT and administration is also very welcome. “A good sys- tem of information


management should free up case managers to spend more time on dealing with claimants. Howev- er, it’s shocking that we are nine years into this project and the IT still isn’t up to scratch.” The report acknowledges


that HS2’s current dispute reso- lution offer isn’t working because claimants don’t trust it. They feel it lacks independence because it requires them to choose who will resolve a dispute from HS2’s own panel.


Ms Russell says: “Dispute res- olution is a really important area and it would be quite simple for HS2 to ask an independent body, such as the CAAV, to appoint a neutral third person to deal with the matter.”


The second issue is much


broader, she says. “We want to see HS2 balance its statutory pow- ers with a duty of care to those affected by it and though the re- view states there will be a re- newed focus on placing people at the heart of the scheme, there’s very little detail on how this will be achieved.”


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