Millions of pounds have yet to be claimed out of the fund set aside to compensate homeowners living within 120-300 metres of the controversial HS2 rail line.
Sixty kilometres runs through Buckinghamshire on the first phase of the route between London and Birmingham.
The company responsible for the high speed train has written to all the homeowners eligible for compensation. So far only £7m has been paid out.
“There is still £13m left in unclaimed compensation,” says property litigation solicitor Elliott Brookes at Gerrards Cross-based law firm BP Collins.
He points out: “Through the Homeowner Payment Scheme, owner occupiers living within 120 and 180 metres either side of the centre line of the planned railway are eligible to receive £22,500, those living between 180-240 metres are eligible for £15,000 and residents living in properties between 240-300 metres are entitled to claim £7,500.
“Although the scheme will be open for applications until 2027 – a year after Phase One of the railway opens – it’s best to avoid a last minute rush. The process can take up to two months for eligibility to be confirmed.”
Under the terms of the scheme, he says, payment can only be made through a law firm. It can’t be paid directly to the homeowner.
“After an owner receives a letter from HS2 Ltd confirming eligibility they need to instruct a solicitor to advise them on the terms of the payment and check and certify their identity in order to recover the compensation.”
Owners will receive up to £500 plus VAT to cover legal costs.
