Londoners living along the proposed route of HS2 are being offered a raw deal on compensation compared with those in rural areas, it was claimed today.
Camden council said the Government’s rules on rehousing “failed the basic test of fairness” for residents.
Council leader Sarah Hayward has pledged to oppose the scheme unless changes are made.
In rural areas, it is proposed that homes will be purchased under generous terms by the Government if they are within 120 metres of the line, which would disrupt daily life.
However this scheme does not apply in London, as HS2 argues that those living in dense urban areas will be insulated by other buildings and suffer less.
Camden is also critical of a second scheme to buy up properties within HS2’s construction footprint around Euston station.
The “safeguarding” scheme is divisive as those inside the boundary will benefit while residents on the other side of the same street will receive nothing, despite living next to a building site for a decade.
These households will be entitled to apply for the Government’s hardship scheme, which requires proof that a resident’s health, livelihood or family life would be impacted. The five Camden applications so far have all failed.
Camden residents and businesses will bear the brunt of HS2 works during 10 years of disruption, with up to 500 homes and businesses demolished or made uninhabitable. There will be huge disruption along the Drummond Street “curry mile”, and a local school and cemetery will also be blighted.
Ms Hayward said: “Camden faces 80 per cent of the demolition from HS2 and the Government’s compensation scheme fails the basic test of fairness for our families and businesses ... we will continue to fight the Government.”
Camden also says there is inadequate provision for loss of trade for businesses, and owners of ex-council flats on the Regent’s Park Estate say they will be forced to leave the area because of inadequate compensation. But a Department for Transport spokesman said it was committed to fair compensation, over and beyond what was required by law.
Your say: 'I'll lose my business and my home'
Craig Douglas, 53, landlord of The Bree Louise pub, in Cobourg Street:
“I have had the pub for 10 years. I’m in a unique position as I will lose both my business and my home.
“I have not let it bother me yet because until things actually start it isn’t real”.
Jerry Beasley, 52, council tenant in Cobourg Street:
“Everyone is resigned to the fact you cannot hold up progress. I’ve been promised a new home.”
Susan Riley, 57, council tenant in Cobourg Street:
“The council has offered me other properties but I will stay here till it goes ahead and see what happens.”
Tom Bridgwater, 20, of Exmouth Mews: “I would be worried that the noise could interrupt my studies and there will be more pollution.”
