The controversial High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project has moved another step closer, as protection was given to the proposed route between London and the West Midlands.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the announcement will safeguard land that has been earmarked for use in the scheme, preventing any other building developments that may obstruct the line from going ahead.

He added that people who live near the route will be able to sell their homes under the government's statutory blight procedures.

The project has attracted plenty of opposition thus far, with Lord Mandelson - one of the people who came up with the original idea for a high-speed railway - the latest person to raise doubts about the feasibility of the line.

He said in a recent piece for the Financial Times that HS2 could be an "expensive mistake".

However, Mr McLoughlin insisted he understands the concerns of those who live close to the line and the government will do all it can to help them move house if they wish.

"We will process claims to purchase their property swiftly so that those who qualify can move as quickly as possible," he remarked.