HS2 plans leave family farm facing renewed uncertainty

A Cheshire dairy farmer who previously stopped HS2 taking about 300 acres says a new government plan for a north–south rail line has revived uncertainty over the family's farm and local properties.

John Edge, a 74-year-old dairy farmer in Wimboldsley, Cheshire, says a new government plan for a north–south rail line has brought fresh uncertainty to his family farm. He had previously prevented the HS2 route from seizing roughly 300 acres of his 700-acre holding after the northern HS2 link was cancelled in 2023. Transport minister Heidi Alexander announced planning for a new Birmingham–Manchester line as part of northern rail investment. The Department for Transport has said safeguarding protections on land between Crewe and Manchester will remain. What is known: - The transport minister announced planning for a new north–south rail line between Birmingham and Manchester, and officials said no decisions have been made on specification, route or timetable. - John Edge previously stopped HS2 taking about 300 acres of his 700-acre dairy farm; the land is still protected by the Department for Transport for possible future projects. - Government statements say the new line would not be a revival of HS2 and that any new route would come only after the completion of Northern Powerhouse Rail; precise timing and route remain undetermined. Summary: The announcement has reintroduced long-running uncertainty for residents and landowners along the cancelled HS2 route, affecting property sales and community plans. Undetermined at this time.