The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said the second phase of the High Speed Two (HS2) rail line from the Midlands to Leeds and Manchester will blight many rural businesses without providing fair compensation for compulsory purchase.

The Association said the recent government announcement gives no confidence to those whose homes and businesses are close to the new HS2 route and who could suffer decades of uncertainty while the rail scheme is planned and built by 2032.

CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “The Government has rushed through today’s route announcement before two major consultations on phase one have finished, showing contempt for rural land and business owners.

“The current compulsory purchase system treats landowners badly while helping to deliver profit to commercial operators.”

Mr Cotterell claimed that while the Extreme Hardship Scheme currently on offer in phase one was restrictive and hard to access, there would be nothing at all for owners affected by phase two until a new scheme is consulted upon.

He added: “The Government must review compulsory purchase legislation now rather than perceiving it as too complex.”