Overview
- In July, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Darren Pinnington plead guilty to producing 184 cannabis plants inside the former HS2-acquired property in Whitmore Heath.
- HS2 confirmed the house was let on the open market through agents to offset taxpayer costs but has remained empty since the police raid due to high restoration fees.
- The Department for Transport continues to own about 35 homes in Whitmore Heath purchased for the now-scrapped Birmingham–Manchester section.
- HS2 has spent £3.79bn on property purchases for the overall project, including £633m on the cancelled northern leg and £1.9m on security for vacant sites in 2023/24.
- Former resident Alan Wilkinson and neighbours say the property buyouts and prolonged uncertainty have inflicted lasting emotional and social harm on the community.