The CLA has called for Government to ensure that rented property is no longer overlooked by property compensation schemes for HS2.

The organisation, which represents over 33,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses, made the call as part of its submission to the consultation on property compensation on phase 2 of the HS2 route, which will run from the West Midlands to Crewe.

CLA Chief Surveyor Andrew Shirley said: “There has still been no recognition within the current schemes that HS2 will impact on the ability of landlords to rent out residential, agricultural, or commercial property, especially where the project will lead to landlords being completely unable to let out their property.

“Buildings which could be used to help ease the current housing crisis will then stand empty and potentially be subject to vandalism, all while the landlord will still have to pay full management costs.

“Similarly, there is still no adequate scheme for delivering compensation sufficiently far enough in advance to allow affected businesses to purchase or build replacement buildings or facilities. If buildings must be lost, there must be a mechanism to ensure that compensation is provided in good time to allow for them to be replaced.”