Earlier this month the Prime Minister announced the cancellation of the HS2 routes north of Birmingham.

The press is now dubbing the disposal of land acquired to build HS2 north of Birmingham as a “fire sale” and in so doing are suggesting that it will be sold for less than market value. I suggest that this is not a likely scenario.

The loss between cost of acquisition and disposal receipt is the difference between the gross compensation paid to affected parties and market value of the land.  As such, it demonstrates that this country treats the parties affected by compulsory purchase in a fair and equitable manner, giving them equivalence for their personal loss.

I do not support the call to pause the land sales recommended by The National Infrastructure Commission.  Such a pause supports the retention of safeguarding corridors which have already cast a shadow and caused untold personal stress and commercial loss to numerous land owners.

Rather, I urge those charged with the delivery of infrastructure to act cohesively and demonstrate that they can design, build and deliver at cost the aspirations of the nation.