RE: High Speed 2 proposals for a rail network running through the area, and the recent letter from Cllr Paul Rogerson, chairman of Aylesbury Conservatives.

PAUL Rogerson’s letter, published May 21, contained a slight inaccuracy on the proposed compensation arrangements for property owners affected by the high speed rail proposals.

Under the terms of the scheme currently out for consultation, properties of eligible applicants would be purchased at 100% of their unblighted value, ie the price the house would attract if there were no proposals to build a new high speed link, rather than 85% as Mr Rogerson suggests.

The Government, and HS2 Ltd, are very mindful of the impact on property owners and, following publication of route options, launched a consultation on an exceptional hardship scheme.

After considering the significant number of requests asking for more time to respond, the Secretary of State recently announced he is extending the consultation period until June 17. Your readers can find more information at the following website link: www.dft.gov.uk/highspeedrail

Suzanne Roddie, Head of Communications and Corporate Services, HS2 Ltd, Victoria Street, London.