NFU members are again calling on government to
ensure HS2 has a minimum disruption to farming and food production as the
crucial second reading of the HS2 Bill to approve the railway project gets
underway today.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said the NFU
continues to call on ministers to ensure the business case for HS2 is clarified
given its impact on farms and the countryside.
“We are aware from the Environmental Statement
published last autumn that there are 213 agricultural holdings directly
affected by HS2 Ltd developments along the proposed route from London to the
West Midlands” he said. “These agricultural holdings vary hugely in size and
type but are united by the uncertainty HS2 has created for the individuals and
those businesses involved.
“We recognize the importance of investing in
the nation’s transport infrastructure. However it is vital that farm businesses
are treated fairly with enhanced compensation paid promptly to redress the
damage done to those along the line. We need far greater clarity from HS2 Ltd
regarding the economic gains of the promised enhanced connectivity,
particularly for rural communities, if our members are going to see any benefit
from the building of HS2 Phase 1.
“We are getting to a crucial stage in this process now but there
are still many grey areas. HS2 presents an unacceptable treble hit for farmers.
Firstly, essential farmland is already being lost to the HS2 line; secondly,
larger areas which have been highlighted for habitat creation and tree planting
will take valuable food-producing land out of production; and thirdly, far more
new habitat is being imposed than is being lost on a questionable ‘bigger is
better’ principle. It is absolutely essential that government finds a balance
between what is best for nature and what is best for agriculture.
“It is also essential, once the construction of the line has
been completed, farm businesses are left in a strong, viable condition where
land can still be farmed productively. Land severance must be kept to an
absolute minimum and where it is unavoidable HS2 Ltd must ensure farmers have
access to appropriate infrastructure such as drainage systems, water supply,
bridges and underpasses enabling their businesses to function.
“HS2 Ltd also needs to do more to make sure all farmers have
been contacted and properly informed so they fully appreciate the impact on
their businesses. We continue to question the public investments in HS2; it
should offer a positive return for all concerned,” said Mr Raymond.
The NFU has a number of ongoing concerns about HS2 and is
calling for Government to:
•
Implement a binding and comprehensive duty of care that sets
standards and timescales for the conduct of HS2, its contractors and
sub-contractors during construction.
•
Appoint an independent ombudsman to swiftly resolve breaches to
this duty of care.
•
Incorporate a substantial programme of ‘accommodation works’
within HS2 construction plans to minimise long term impacts on farm businesses.
This means ensuring farms are left in a strong viable condition and with
appropriate infrastructure and access such as water supply, drainage and
bridges
•
Promptly pay enhanced compensation reflecting the dislocation,
distress and income lost as a result of the project.
•
Consult regularly and honestly with farmers and growers and
their representatives throughout the project.
Hear a farmer’s story:
To
learn more about the impact of HS2 on farming please click here.
The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine GFMT which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.
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