The HS2 Property Bond is a scheme set up to support and protect (with guarantees to the banks), those who seek to sell, or purchase a property within the curtilage of the proposed HS2 route, to guarantee the ongoing market value and saleability of all properties blighted by HS2.

The Property Bond will also cover full market value and compensation to those whose properties lie directly on the HS2 line and will be subject to compulsory purchase orders, be it a house, business, or farmland.

We therefore have a duty to ensure a robust and competent plan is in place, to protect all those who fall within these conditions.

The confirmation of “blight compensation qualifying distances” need to be agreed and written into the Property Bond agreement, giving a simple and clear understanding of what it covers, ensuring a fare and acceptable compensation package being paid out to all those unsettled, by “something not of their own choosing”, enabling all to re-establish themselves elsewhere, in a reasonable timescale.

It has been intimated that prices will increase substantially for all those properties in areas around the HS2 line, once it comes into service.

But that will be useless, if a property is taken away, too many years of waiting for older and more vulnerable people.

It has also been said, that in the long term, in some cases, “compensation will not be paid until after construction is complete”.

That will be of no benefit to those of a certain age and it therefore begs the question, if anyone passes away in the meantime, will compensation then be void, or will it pass to the current owner of the property and, regardless of any supposed “increase in value”, will compensation still be seen to be owed?

The blight has already set in, from the day HS2 was announced and will remain ingrained for the duration. I will never be persuaded HS2 is for the best.

If it works out, then it will benefit the surrounding communities. But if it doesn’t, then I worry for all those it will continue to affect, becoming a legacy of blight, well into the next century and beyond and although we are so passionate about our beloved Greenbelt, we should also treasure those longstanding and cohesive communities, that will sink into the mire of obscurity with time.

It is our duty as a council, to nurture and support communities to become stronger and more resilient, especially to those who are older and more vulnerable.

Therefore, we have a duty to all those communities first and foremost, to work relentlessly for the best outcomes and acceptable compensation within Cheshire East and if the Property Bond Scheme delivers, as it should, with the process being carried out fairly, simply and quickly, it can at least help to ease the pain felt, by all those affected.

Clr Olivia Hunter