30.12.14
Dear
I am writing regarding your request for information received 28 November 2014. Your request has been
considered the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).
You requested the following
:
I wish to make an enquiry regarding agreements which have been made between HS2 Ltd and people and
organisations who have petitioned against HS2.
Firstly, can you confirm that
a) homeowners
b) businesses
c) landowners
Have been offered deals or assurances which have been conditional on signing confidentiality agreements
and agreeing to withdraw petitions, and how many of incidences fall into each category a-c.
How many such agreements have been struck with homeowners who are:
d) Less than 120 metres from the proposed centre line of HS2.
e) Between 120 and 180 metres from the proposed centre line of HS2.
f) Between 180 and 240 metres from the proposed centre line of HS2.
g) Between 240 and 300 metres from the proposed centre line of HS2.
h) Over 300 metres from the proposed centre line of HS2.
And what is the greatest distance from the centre line of HS2 that such an agreement has been made.
Falling within the categories d-h above, how many agreements have been made which include:
i) triple glazing
j) noise insulation in roof cavities
k) offers to build extensions
l) cash
m) each combination of i-l above
Again, with regard to categories d-h above, please state the average cash offer for each area, for each
combination of i-l above.
We can confirm that we have entered into one contractual agreement with petitioners of a mixed
business/residential property which contractually obliged them to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
and withdraw their petition. The property owned and used by these petitioners fell under category (d)
and, due to its specific location, was within safeguarding. In regard to categories (i)-(l), the agreement in
question did not include any of these items.
For further information on the assurances and undertakings agreed with petitioners please see the register
recently published at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-speed-rail-london-west-midlands-bill-register-of-
undertakings-and-assurances
If you are unhappy with the way we have handled your request or with the decisions made in
relation to your request, you may complain in writing to HS2 Ltd at the address below. Please also
see attached details of HS2 Ltd’s complaints procedure and your right to complain to the
Information Commissioner.
Please remember to quote the following reference number, FOI14-1222, in any future
communication relating to this request
Yours Sincerely
Freedom of Information Manager
Your right to complain to HS2 Ltd and the Information Commissioner You have the right to complain to HS2 Ltd within two calendar months of the date of this letter about the way
in which your request for information was handled and/or about the decision not to disclose all or part of the
information requested.
Your complaint will be acknowledged and you will be advised of a target date by which to expect a response.
Initially your complaint will be re-considered by the official who dealt with your request for information. If,
after careful consideration, that official decides that his/her decision was correct, your complaint will
automatically be referred to a senior independent official who will conduct a further review. You will be
advised of the outcome of your complaint and if a decision is taken to disclose information originally withheld
this will be done as soon as possible.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the
Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF