Thames and Chilterns

HS2 update and the local property market

Sadly, I fear HS2 is now inevitable.   Following the announcement last month, the government appear to have the bit firmly between their teeth and it seems they will push this through no matter what.  Choosing to ignore the points raised in the public ‘consultation’ period is evidence of this.  The cases for the scheme have been ridiculed at every turn, yet the train keeps rolling.  So, whilst the final route is not set in stone, sadly the scheme looks like it will go ahead in some form.

Whilst we all wish this hair brained scheme would just disappear, we need to be realistic and so mitigation should now be the name of the game.  The government has made some changes to the route to lessen the impact, such as the southerly shift of the route at Amersham and the extended tunnel out to Hyde Heath and Little Missenden.   Whilst I am horrified at the thought of what a huge twin bore tunnel will do to the natural underground waterways and springs in the area, this is a step in the right direction and a lesser evil than being above ground.   There have been one or two other minor changes through the Chilterns but not nearly enough and this is now where the focus needs to be directed.

The property market in the immediate surroundings of the route has had a very uncertain time since the scheme was first announced.  The government’s announcement at least gives the immediate market along the line a little certainty but not really in a good way.  It may allow transactions to happen, but they will be at reduced prices.    Strangely it seems the closer you are to the route the better off you may end up being.  Property owners whose land is required for either the building of or for access to the line will be compulsorily purchased.  For those people whose land is not required but are possibly just as badly affected will have a tougher time as they will have to wait until one year after the line has been used ( anticipated to be 2026) before any compensation could be due.  This could be a very bitter pill to swallow if they are looking to move on in the next 14 years.

I have been talking to many people looking to buy property in the Chilterns recently and understandably there is a real concern over HS2.  One of our clients even pushed their search across to South Oxfordshire because they were so concerned about the possible impact.   Whilst certain areas of the Chilterns will be badly affected by HS2, the majority of the area won’t be so I would urge potential buyers not to tar the whole of the Chilterns with the HS2 brush.  Look at the details of the route before making any decisions and take advice.   Despite HS2 the Chilterns will remain a fantastic place to live offering wonderful scenery, some of the best State Schooling in the country and very quick routes into London via the Chiltern Line.

Links to the proposed route maps:

• Map 6: Route from Chalfont St Peter to Brentford Wood – drawing number HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW-05006 (PDF – 6581 KB)
• Map 7: Route from Amersham to Little Missenden – drawing number HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW-05007 (PDF – 8875 KB)
• Map 8: Route from Mantle’s Wood to Wendover Dean – drawing number HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW-05008 (PDF – 5345 KB)
• Map 9: Route from Wendover Dean to Stoke Mandeville – drawing number HS2-ARP-00-DR-RW-05009 (PDF – 9210 KB)

Local South Oxfordshire Eatery Gains Michelin Star!

‘Joyous, seductive, romantic, addictive!’ – superlatives used by the Good Food Guide when describing this wonderful yet understated establishment. Having been voted Best Restaurant in Oxfordshire and in the 100 Best Restaurants in the UK, its latest accolade, a Michelin Star, was surely inevitable.

Having been lucky enough to visit at the weekend, The Sir Charles Napier (near Chinnor) is one of those places you are instantly made to feel welcome, almost as if you were being invited round for dinner at a friend’s house.

After a quick drink by the crackling fire on possibly one of the world’s most comfortable sofas, we were ushered through to the dining room.   Having eaten here before we had great expectations, but were interested to find out whether the reality would live up to the memory.  We needn’t have worried.

The food was simply delicious, the sort of meal where you take minute mouthfuls just simply to make it last longer.   I chose a Haddock and Cheese Soufflé to start, followed by a melt in the mouth Beef Fillet and finished with a Sticky Toffee Brioche Pudding - wow!   

Whilst set in a rural and beautiful part of South Oxfordshire, The Sir Charles is very easy to get to with the M40 (Jct 6) only 10 minutes away.  Be careful not to drive straight past though, as it looks just like a normal country pub from the outside.  This however, is where The Sir Charles really scores – its understated class.  It is a real rarity to find an establishment of such quality that continues to maintain such a down-to-earth, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, without the slightest whiff of pretention.

I look forward to my next visit … it’s my birthday soon!

www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk  

01494 483011

Coventry MP in bid to lead Commons revolt over HS2 rail plan

Secret rival to High Speed Rail route

It has emerged that the Government’s own engineers, Arup, bitterly oppose the ‘preferred route’ for the London to Birmingham High Speed Rail Link (HS2).  Quoted in the Sunday Times, they believe that linking Heathrow to the route is essential.  “If the Government’s vision for high speed rail is taken forward, Britain would be alone in the world as the only country where a new high speed rail network bypasses the national hub airport.”  They also believe that routing the line via Heathrow will reduce the construction costs by as much as £400m.  

The alternative route would run from Euston further west to Heathrow and then up the M40 Corridor and alongside the existing Chiltern Line.

Richard Le Neve Foster from the County Homesearch Company comments…. “We still don’t believe there is a case for HS2 in any shape or form.  However, if it does have to go ahead then linking Heathrow Airport to the line would seem logical.  It would also allow the route to run along existing infrastructure such as the M40 rather than across ‘green field’ countryside as is currently proposed.  This would certainly lessen the impact on the Chilterns.”

Dr Challoner’s triumphs as top grammar school!

Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham, Buckinghamshire has been named the top Grammar School in the Country.  The selective school for boys beat off competition from 163 schools in England to finish top of the league tables.  Coupled with this success, 19 boys in year 13 have achieved places at either Oxford or Cambridge Universities – an outstanding achievement.

Richard Le Neve Foster from The County Homesearch Company comments…“Free education of this standard is pretty difficult to find, which is why Amersham has always been an extremely popular choice for young families.  This popularity will only increase as people search for an alternative to fee paying schools in these tough financial times.”

Click here to read the full article (Buckinghamshire Examiner 20^th January 2011)

Alterations to HS2 ‘Preferred Route’ are no comfort

The Secretary of State for Transport, Phillip Hammond announced on Monday some minor alterations to the Preferred Route ( Route 3) of the hugely controversial high speed rail line from London to Birmingham.    

Mr Hammond has published these alterations to the preferred route in a bid to appease local objectors; however these appear to be cosmetic improvements which in our view should have been part of the original scheme in any event.  These attempts to reduce the impact of HS2 will be about as effective as a  chocolate fireguard.   It is a shame that the Minister appears to be trying to spike the guns of the objectors in this way.  In reality very little has changed despite the Minister’s opinion that local resident’s prayers have been answered.  This is an insult to the intelligence of those living and working in the affected areas.

The alterations to the proposed scheme are listed on this link:  

http://www.hs2.org.uk/assets/x/77425

Old Amersham to Little Missenden:

Less than 10% of the distance between the two has been altered.  The alterations are welcome but insignificant in the scheme of things. 

South Heath to Wendover:

Again, when looking at the scale of the damage HS2 would do to this part of the Misbourne Valley this modification will no doubt be little comfort.

Hartwell House:

The Minister claims that HS2 cannot be seen from this important Listed Building however the improvements move the line further away and throw up earthworks for further screening.  This apparent contradiction does not give one much confidence.

David Le Neve Foster from The County Homesearch Company comments…. “The threat of HS2 should not put buyers off this beautiful part of the world but they really should be taking professional advice to ensure they understand what they are buying and that the price they pay reflects any risks.”

Two heads are better than one!!

The County Homesearch Company (Thames & Chilterns) are delighted to announce the addition of Richard Le Neve Foster to their ranks.   Richard comes from an Estate Agency background having worked  for top firms Knight Frank and Strutt & Parker over the last 7 years.  Richard’s focus will be looking after Private Clients looking to purchase their next home in West Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, South Oxfordshire and East Berkshire.

Richard and David are now arguably the most formidable team in the business offering a combined total of 45 years agency experience between them.

Richard can be contacted on +44 (0)1494 766140 or richard.lenf@county-homesearch.com



HS2 Update: Ministers threaten revolt over high-speed rail link

Despite strong opposition from three Ministers and a member of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister yesterday gave his unequivocal support for the proposed controversial high speed rail link – HS2.  Initially routing from London to Birmingham the scheme  will spoil some of England’s finest countryside including parts of the Chiltern Hills and Aylesbury Vale.  It is claimed that the rail link will help deal with the ‘North-South economic divide’.  Richard Le Neve Foster from property buying agents The County Homesearch Company comments … “There is a widely held view that HS2 will only encourage more commuting from the North to London, thus reducing the skilled workforce available to Northern-based businesses.  I fail to see the economic benefits.”

Ministers threaten revolt over high-speed rail link (Daily Telegraph 25/11/2010)

How much would you pay for a pint?!!

£495,000 according to the residents of Bledlow Ridge in Buckinghamshire!!!  Village residents have clubbed together and bought the pub which was at risk of being developed into houses.  Having now found a landlord, The Boot will hopefully re open before Christmas.  (Bucks Herald 15/11/10)

Press here to read the full story.

Richard Le Neve Foster from the Thames & Chilterns Office of The County Homesearch Company comments…. ‘When briefed to find a village property for a client, a good local pub is almost always near the top of the wish list.  It really helps to create a community feeling and thus only adds to the desirability of properties in the village.’

HS2 Update

The timetable for the next steps of the controversial ‘High Speed 2’ rail proposal routing from London to Birmingham have now been clarified.

The announcement of the Preferred Route will be made in December and will be followed by a five month period of consultation starting in March 2011.  Following this period of consultation, the final decision on the route will then be made approximately one year from now in December 2011.

This hugely controversial scheme has attracted large opposition from many different quarters including respected transport commentator, Christian Wolmar.   At the recent Chiltern Society Annual General Meeting he put forward his case as to why the scheme is flawed and should not proceed.  Follow the link below to read his arguments.

13 reasons why HS2 is not a good idea (Chiltern society website Nov 10)

David Le Neve Foster from the Thames & Chilterns Office of The County Homesearch Company comments, ‘ The threat of HS2 must not put property buyers off this beautiful part of the world, however,  they really should be taking expert advice to ensure they are buying as safely and as wisely as is possible’.