The NFU has "argued persuasively" on farm land-take according to High Speed Rail Committee chair Robert Syms who has now requested that HS2 work with the organisation on a model agreement in relation to agricultural land required on a temporary basis.

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Giving evidence to the HS2 Select Committee last week, the NFU pushed for a number of changes to cater for the hundreds of farm businesses set to be blighted by the construction of the deeply controversial high-speed railway‎.

HS2, which will link London and Birmingham, with branches to Leeds and Manchester set to be added later, has divided opinion. Though the £50 billion project has support from the major political parties, the business and environmental cases for development have been questioned and the Green Party has dismissed HS2 as a "white-elephant rich man's railway."

Mr Syms suggested that farmers should have a licence which provides a right of access and inspection during construction. NFU commentators said the union will be seeking clarification on cases where agricultural land will be required for a temporary basis. The union maintains that HS2 should enter into a licence or lease agreement with farmers, allowing the farmer to retain the freehold, where land is required temporarily.

NFU director of policy Andrew Clark commented on Thursday, "This is an extremely positive message for our members affected by HS2. The HS2 Committee have indicated that they agree with us that HS2 has sought to acquire land on a permanent basis in too many circumstances, especially when only required during the construction phase and then returned to the farmer. The Committee has also agreed that HS2 should work with NFU, and other stakeholders, to address this issue.

"The advantage of a licence or lease agreement for the temporary land take is that HS2 cannot hold land for possible future development, nor require farmers to purchase their own land back at a future higher price. Another benefit is that farmers will not face a capital gains tax liability from the proceeds of compensation, as the land would in effect be rented out to HS2."