More residents affected by the £50 billion HS2 high-speed rail project are to get government compensation and assistance.
But opponents of the scheme say the new package does not go anything like far enough.
The new deal involves owner-occupiers of homes and small businesses between generally 60 metres and up to 120 metres from the line from London to Birmingham which forms the first phase of the scheme.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin described the package as "comprehensive".
But the HS2 Action Alliance (HS2AA) said that "barely 3,000 homeowners" would benefit, yet 172,000 households were within 1,000 metres of the phase one line and 43,000 within 500 metres.
Related: £36 million HS2 compensation payouts for Midlands homes
Mr McLoughlin announced today that those between 60 metres and 120 metres can submit an application to HS2 Ltd to purchase their property at the full, unblighted value under the voluntary purchase scheme. This is the value of the property as if there were no plans for HS2.
As an alternative to the voluntary purchase scheme, these eligible property owners will also have the option to accept a cash offer of ten per cent of that same value and stay in their homes and businesses. This will support people who want to remain in their community.
Those beyond the 120-metre boundary, but within 300 metres of the line in rural areas, will, following Royal Assent of the Phase One HS2 Hybrid Bill, be able to apply for a homeowner payment ranging from £7,500 to £22,500, which will enable them to share early in the benefits of the railway.
Eligible owner-occupiers living any distance from the line of route can now apply to the need to sell (NTS) scheme, which also pays the un-blighted value to people with a compelling reason to sell their property, but who have been unable to do so - other than at a substantially reduced price - due to HS2.
Mr McLoughlin said: "This comprehensive package of compensation and assistance is looking after those people who live along the HS2 route while balancing our responsibilities to the taxpayer."
HS2AA director Hilary Wharf said: "It is deeply unfair that so many ordinary people, who through no fault of their own happen to live near to the planned HS2 line, continue to be left to bear these losses with no help from the Government.
"People were promised full and fair compensation and this promise has been broken time and time again."
