Details of the next phase of the £32bn High Speed 2 (HS2) high-speed rail network have been unveiled by the government which can be viewed on their website at https://www.gov.uk/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-route-plan-and-profile-maps?utm_source=Quantus.&utm_campaign=a32d16f41c-HS2_phase_two_28_2013&utm_medium=email.

The preferred route of phase two running northwards from Birmingham will have five stops at: Manchester; Manchester Airport; Toton in the East Midlands; Sheffield; and Leeds.What is High Speed 2 (HS2)?

The National High Speed Rail Strategy, which started with High Speed 1 (the route between London and the Channel Tunnel), is continuing with the proposed High Speed 2 network between London and Scotland.

Part of the network will be underground.

The first phase of High Speed 2 is an initial London to West Midlands line, which could be operational by 2026. A second phase to Manchester and Leeds may open around 2032-33. The results of a period of consultation, were presented to Government in December 2011. They were accepted in January 2012 and construction is due to begin in 2017. Construction methods will vary and may result in potential disruption to sites near the proposed route.

Inevitably the HS2 will involve Councils seeking possession of land and properties under their compulsory powers and ancillary disruption, traffic and noise from the construction and ultimately the many years of putting up with trains day and night travelling at up to 225mph.

According to a recent report in the Independent, a minimum of 43,000 homes, and potentially as many as 170,000 could be affected by blight through falling property prices and disruption with the first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham, due for completion by 2026.

The distance of the property from the line will be crucial. There will also be other considerations such as will the line be elevated or submerged and will speed create a greater noise nuisance in specific areas?

Searches available?

There is now a search available for anyone concerned about the impact that the High Speed 2 rail link may have on their property or a property considering to be purchased that will be able to provide information as to whether the property is near the proposed route of High Speed Rail and if it is:

If the route is in a tunnel, cutting, at ground level or on a viaduct What the maximum speed of the train is as it passes the property

The report reveals the exact distance and direction of a property from the proposed HS2 rail link, going beyond the information provided in the Local Authority search which currently only reveals whether the property is within a 200-metre radius.

There is obviously some concern regarding the impact on property prices, salability, mortgagability and noise pollution.

Although it may be many years before the exact route is defined or works begin, in view of the limitations of the local search and the fact that now it will affect the more northerly parts of the UK you should perhaps consider this optional search we can offer to you as an essential one for the future.

Please contact any member of our Conveyancing team for further information

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