Staffordshire’s transport boss has warned HS2 compensation deals for homeowners should not be allowed to overshadow the true impact of high speed rail.
Householders living near the proposed route in Lichfield and the surrounding villages have been receiving information about what Government ministers call “generous” payouts they could receive..
But county councillor Mike Maryon has said the impact of HS2 goes beyond money.
“High speed rail is being imposed on Staffordshire against our wishes and without any real benefit to the county,” he said. “It seems inevitable that this will happen and our priority is to support families in getting the best outcome for them, the communities and the environment.
“Accepting any compensation offer now, or in the future is a personal matter for every homeowner, and although important it is only one element of the HS2 argument.
“The environmental impact on high speed travel will be enormous and the opportunity for communities to influence design and the route path to mitigate the effect in this phase and the proposed second phase must not be lost in talks about individual payouts.”
Residents have until January 31 to comment on the proposed deals, which include the market value plus ten per cent for those living within 60 metres of the track.
