HS2 reveals amount of compensation given to Kenilworth households and businesses
By James Smith 10th Jul 2022
Nearly £30million has been given to businesses and households affected by HS2 around Kenilworth.
Data obtained by Kenilworth Nub News via a freedom of information request shows that (as of the start of July) 35 households in the CV8 postcode area have been given compensation by the high speed rail developer.
In total £16.5million has been given to local households in compensation.
A further £12.5million has also been given to CV8 residents and businesses through compulsory purchase orders.
The highest value CPO payment made in the area since the start of the project was for £4,046,957.87.
HS2 said this was for a commercial property and included multiple notices, but it did not reveal which business it was for.
Individual households are able to apply for compensation from HS2 through a number of different schemes.
Homeowners in the 'surface safeguarding' areas - the land closest to the line - can apply for the government to buy their house at its 'unblighted' value - its open market worth if the line was not being built.
The government will also give out a 'home loss' payment of 10 per cent of the property's value (up to £71,000) and pay reasonable expenses such as stamp duty.
When the compensation package was announced in 2012, then rail minister Simon Burns said it would "strike the right balance for local communities and the British taxpayer".
"No major infrastructure project on this scale can be built without some impact on local communities, but I am determined to do everything I can to minimise the effect of HS2 on those closest to the line," he said.
"We have developed the right compensation package, providing absolutely the right support for those affected, while at the same time protecting the interests of taxpayers.
"The measures I have announced are fair and strike the right balance for local communities and the British taxpayer."
The high speed rail developer has also donated £1.4million to 28 community projects in Warwickshire.
The Talisman Theatre and Kenilworth Town Council have each received £75,000 grants.
The town council's funding came through the business and local economy fund (BLEF) and is being used to spread the message that 'Kenilworth is open for business' during the construction of the line.
Details of more HS2 compensation schemes can be found here.
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