Payouts to families affected by the High Speed Rail line should not be cloud the environmental “blight” a Midland transport boss has warned.
Proposals setting out compensation packaged for homeowners on the proposed HS2 route were released this week and described by the Government as “generous”.
However Coun Mike Maryon, transport chief at Staffordshire Country Council, said the impact of the scheme amounted to more than pounds and pence.
He said: “High speed rail is being imposed on Staffordshire against our wishes and without any real benefit to the county.
“It seems inevitable this will happen and our priority is to support families in getting the best outcome for them, the communities and the environment.”
Payouts offered amount to the value of their homes plus 10 per cent if they live within 60 metres of the track.
Coun Maryon added: “Accepting any compensation offer now, or in the future is a personal matter for every homeowner, and although important it is only one element of the HS2 argument.
“The environmental impact on high speed travel will be enormous and the opportunity for communities to influence design and the route path to mitigate the effect in this phase and the proposed second phase must not be lost in talks about individual payouts.”
The compensation plans are under consultation until January.
