The new head of the deeply controversial HS2 project has announced plans to fast-track the high speed train line, though farm groups have expressed concern; they say planners have failed to fully engage with farmers or understand the potential impacts on them.

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Shadow chancellor Ed Balls last week raised serious questions over the controversial project. Balls called for costs to be brought down and raised questions over Labour's support for the project in a statement ahead of Sir David Higgins' report on HS2, which was published on Monday.

A Yougov poll published last autumn suggested that the majority of the British public oppose the £50 million project, believing that the Department for Transport has not made a good enough case for the line, which would connect London and Birmingham initially, with later additions linking to cities further north.  

In his report, Sir David proposed bringing the building of Phase Two of the line (from Brimingham onwards towards Manchester and Leeds) forward by including a 43 mile stretch to Crewe six years earlier than planned. He has also urged cross-party political consensus over the project claiming that any Parliamentary delays would lead to added time and cost.

Responding to the report on Tuesday, the NFU said it is increasingly concerned over the lack of time available to consult on how HS2 might have an impact of farmers' businesses, their ability to make allowances for the effects on wildlife habitat – such as tree planting and grass meadows – especially given that there is still no clear indication as to where the route would pass between Birmingham and Crewe.

Dr Andrew Clark, an NFU policy spokesperson, said, "We are worried over a distinct lack of engagement with the farming community which will be directly affected by the proposed route as well as the Government's refusal to consider prompt and adequate compensation for farming livelihoods damaged by this national project."

He continued, "HS2 really needs to do more to ensure all farmers and landowners are contacted and properly informed so they fully appreciate the impact on their businesses. We also know from our experience under Phase One that it is only since the publication of the Environmental Statement consultation that they have actually become fully aware of exactly how much land is likely to be taken from their holdings."

"The NFU is pleased to see that Sir David has stated that he has rejected any thoughts that the project should cut back on planned mitigation measures whether noise or environmental. These are vital for landowners and farmers. They will help reduce the impacts on hundreds of farming businesses and may help remaining businesses to continue during the disruption of the construction phase."

The new HS2 head said he would fully support the Government's approach to compensation for property lost as a result of the HS2 development. The NFU called for the compensation schemes that have been consulted on to be brought in as soon as possible. The union has also requested that the government implement a binding 'duty of care' to ensure that the process is being conducted fairly, an ombudsperson be appointed to monitor the HS2 project.

Although the NFU said it broadly supports the project, HS2 Action Alliance, a coalition of groups opposing the line claimed HS2 is a "huge waste of money". The group said the development risks causing severe environmental damage, and that the first phase alone will impact on 130 protected wildlife sites.