§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the procedures to be followed by householders who live near the Queen Elizabeth II bridge 263W at Dartford, and who wish to process a claim for compensation for enhanced noise levels due to a faster throughput of traffic; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will publish the compensation entitlement of householders who live near to the Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford, or the approach/exit roads thereto, and who find themselves affected by enhanced noise levels due to a faster throughput of traffic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeNotices will be published soon in the local press describing the procedures for claiming compensation under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 for depreciation in value of property. Details of the procedure and conditions of eligibility are further described in a booklet "Your Home and Nuisance from Public Development", available from the Department's regional office at Federated house, Dorking. The claim period lasts six years commencing from a date 12 months after the new road was opened to traffic on 30 October 1991. Special provisions apply for those selling their houses within the first 12 months after completion of the works.
Under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973, there is a right to claim compensation for depreciation of more than £50 in the value of land (including buildings) caused by specified physical factors (noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke and artificial lighting and the discharge on to the land in respect of which the claim is made of any solid or liquid substance) arising from the use (but not its construction) of a new or altered highway. If compensation is payable, reasonable valuation or legal fees incurred by claimants in making claims will also be paid. Interest is payable from the date the claim is received or the first claim day, whichever is later, until the compensation is paid.