A partner at a chartered surveyors is warning people to start protecting their assets and gear up for compensation claims.

Tom French, a partner at the Kent-based firm BTF, which works primarily with landowners, farms, rural estates and commercial property owners, said new crossing plans would be a blight on their key customers.

He said: “Whilst there are still possible variants to the preferred Route C, having reviewed the Highways England Assessment Report, the scope for major alterations is unlikely.

“However early communication is critical so Highways England understands the effects of the scheme on your farms and businesses.

“It would be naive to think that just because your house is on the proposed alignment or is going to suffer with increased road noise and the view spoilt, that this would override the requirement to meet the economic, environmental and transport factors of the scheme.

“It’s not a question of if it is built, but when it’s built, so don’t bury your head in the sand.” - Tom French

“Although I would strongly advise all those potentially affected to take part in the consultation, it should be done with the need to ‘play smart’ and not get over-emotional. It sounds harsh, but in the cold light of day, the key is to ‘manage’ this period of uncertainty and understand your position.”

Mr French has 24 years of experience in compensation projects, ranging from HS1 to the A2 widening and the Wainscott bypass.

He added: “It’s not a question of if it is built, but when it’s built, so don’t bury your head in the sand.”

Ed Plumptre and Harry Kenton, both 26, work for the company and were at the exhibition at Cascades Leisure Centre, to see the latest plans to inform their customers.