“Landmark victory” for HS2 in ruling

HS2 enjoyed a “landmark victory” after verdicts to challenges against HS2 were handed down in favour of the government’s plans for the high speed rail line.

Just one challenge over consultation was upheld in favour of protestors who launched the judicial reviews at the High Court in December.

Mr Justice Ouseley ruled that the consultation process was unfair because not enough information was provided to consultees, and that the criteria by which compensation options were considered were not adequately explained.

But rejected nine other major challenges including that the government had not fully considered HS2 Action Alliance’s detailed consultation response on compensation.

The judge dismissed challenges to the fairness and lawfulness of the 2011 consultation on HS2 strategy over phase one of the proposed route.

He rejected that the government was required to comply with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directive.

The Department for Transport announced that it would be “full steam ahead” for HS2 after the results were announced shortly after 10.45 on Friday.

Protestors gathered outside the court in London to hear the verdicts.

Rail minister, Simon Burns described it as a “landmark victory for HS2 and the future of Britain” and said there will be “no delays” to the project as a result of the challenges.

“The judge has categorically given the green light for the government to press ahead without delay in building a high speed railway from London to Birmingham,” he said.

“We will now move forward as planned with the crucial business of getting the scheme ready for construction in 2017 and delivering enormous benefits for the country.

“We have listened to the judge’s comments about the property compensation consultation and to save time and public money we will reconsult on this aspect - but this will not delay HS2. We remain fully committed to fairly compensating the public who are impacted by the scheme.”