HS2 boosts value along its northern line, despite fears it will be scrapped

HS2 is boosting the value of property along the planned Birmingham to Manchester leg of the high-speed rail line, despite fears that it might be scrapped. Research by HS2 Ltd, the government-owned company building the project, found that the value of planning applications submitted within a three-mile radius of HS2’s stations and depot in the West Midlands had increased by 400% since the law to build the route was passed. It added that there had been a 72% increase in planning applications submitted within three miles of Birmingham Curzon Street, Washwood Heath and the new HS2 Interchange station near Solihull. The prime minister has insisted the UK is not a “laughing stock” because of the uncertainty that clouds HS2, but has refused to end the speculation about its future. The Times (£)