Could HS2 pose a problem?

naxtek

Hi,

I've been getting conveyancing quotes as we're doing some final budgeting for our impending house purchase.

One solicitor mentioned an optional HS2 search, which got me thinking.

The area we like is near-ish to the proposed route of phase 2 of HS2.

According to the plans, the proposed route for phase 2 runs to the east of the M1. The area we're looking at is on the other side of the M1 (far enough away that we can't hear the road noise though, I might add!).

I can't really see this being too much of a problem. If we don't get road noise from the M1, then I doubt we'd hear anything or get any ill-effects from a train line which is even further away. In fact, my thoughts are that it could increase the value of our house if they put a station somewhere nearby.

I was hoping to get opinions on the following though:

1. Could the conveyancer/solicitor tell us anything new that I haven't been able to find out for myself looking at the plans online? Would they just do what I've done and charge me for the privilege?
2. I'm guessing that since it's only a "proposed" route, it is subject to change. How likely is that? If it did change, I doubt they'd plow through a heavily populated housing area?
3. Providing they stick to the proposed route, are there any negative effects of having HS2 running nearby that you can think of?

Errata

I suspect the only change to the proposed route will be the total abandonment of HS2 - which is a possibility.
You can find the fine details of the route on the HS2 website's consultation document.