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Village 'Destroyed' by HS2: Homes Unsellable
16 Apr
Summary
- Homeowners can't sell properties due to HS2 construction.
- Vibrations cause structural damage, noise is unbearable.
- HS2 offers low sums for affected properties, leaving residents trapped.
Residents in the Warwickshire village of Water Orton express despair as HS2 construction has rendered their homes unsellable. The ongoing works, which include a 3.5-mile tunnel, are not expected to conclude for more than six years, profoundly impacting the community's quality of life.
Homeowners report that estate agents refuse to handle their properties, leaving them in limbo. The vibrations from heavy machinery have caused visible damage to homes, including cracks in plaster and tiles. Noise levels are so extreme that a Ukrainian refugee likened them to the sounds of bombs in Kyiv. Families face emotional distress and are unable to enjoy their properties due to dust and a persistent unpleasant odor.
HS2 has acknowledged that construction can cause disruptions and has engaged with local communities. The company states that measures such as noise mitigation, road sweeping, and window cleaning have been implemented based on resident feedback. However, many residents feel trapped, with HS2 offering 'not very good' sums for properties and a lack of resolution for the damage and distress caused.
