Letters: Impact of Crossrail - letter from the director for Land and Property, Crossrail

Published: 29 January 2010

CROSSRAIL/ Transport for London take very seriously the concerns of businesses affected by the construction of this vital improvement to the transport system (Letters, January 15). 
We are working very hard to minimise disruption, including ensuring that businesses know about the impact on their properties as early as possible.
Crossrail is extremely sensitive to concerns relating to the prospect of moving. 
We are committed to providing support for affected parties. Crossrail has a team available to assist in matters of relocation,  the appointment of professional advisers and the compensation process. 
In particular we have encouraged those affected to appoint specialist advisers, for whom we pay, to settle compensation with us in accordance with the national code for compulsory purchase and compensation.
Every case is dealt with on an individual basis under the national code. 
We estimate the cost of relocating a business and then pay 90 per cent of our valuation immediately a valid claim is received. 
The remaining compensation is negotiated as we acknowledge that there are often differences between the amount claimed and Crossrail’s assessed value. 
Where businesses have made valid claims up-front we have paid them as soon as the properties have been acquired.
The fundamental principle underlying compensation provisions is that claimants will receive compensation neither greater nor less than their loss.  
Where businesses have the legal right to remain in occupation, Crossrail/TfL would expect them to receive full compensation for their relocation costs  less any reasonable deduction for any value for money they receive. This is part of the compensation code.

Keith Berryman
Director, Land and Property Crossrail
Canada Square, E14