MP alarmed at HS2 compensation scheme figures (From Bucks Free Press)

Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan alarmed at HS2 compensation scheme figures

3:08pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News By Andy Carswell

MP alarmed at HS2 compensation scheme figures

MORE than two thirds of homeowners who tried to sell their homes because they are affected by the planned route of the HS2 line failed to receive a single offer, according to an 'alarmed' MP.

Residents living near to where the high speed railway line is set to go can apply for help from the Government to sell their property if they are adversely affected by the controversial project.

Figures sent in a letter from Transport Minister Simon Burns to Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan showed 68 per cent of people who applied for the compensation scheme had received no offers on their properties prior to making their application.

The letter from Mr Burns said 279 of the 409 Hardship Scheme applicants had failed to receive any offers for their home despite having it on the market for, on average, more than nine months.

Mrs Gillan said she was alarmed at the figures she had received, following a Parliamentary Question sent to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

She said: "We are living in tough economic times and the property market has felt the impact. However, to receive absolutely no offers shows the detrimental impact that the proposed HS2 scheme is having. 

"There are people in my own constituency who have been unable to move due to the significant knock-on effect this project has had on the value and desirability of their properties."

The terms of the Hardship Scheme are currently subject to a public consultation, which ends on January 31.