Propertymark has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to lift safeguarding directions along the former HS2 route between the West Midlands and Crewe, which means HS2 limited will no longer object to proposed development in the area.

Many Propertymark members have worked with homeowners impacted by the planned construction of HS2 from the West Midlands to Manchester, and its immediate cancellation brings more questions than answers. What happens to people whose property values have already been affected, and those who have already applied to the UK Government’s Express Purchase Scheme?

Legislation to implement the high-speed 2 rail development progresses through Parliament, and the UK Government has published an update on the potential impact on property on or near the proposed route.

The review of the HS2 land and property acquisition programme has been published concluding it needs to improve its focus on communication, how long it can take to settle compensation claims and relocation support to businesses.

The UK Government announced, on 7 October, further updates to the Safeguarding Directions (safeguarded zone) and zoned property schemes that replace all previous versions.