If plans for HS2 are given the go-ahead, Camden could face a property explosion and communities will be forced out, warn campaigners.

Euston railway station could grow by 80 per cent and expensive housing could take shape on its building blocks, according to Peter Jones of the Pan-Camden HS2 Alliance.

He argues that prices have already soared in recent years, pushing poorer residents from the area.

“If you think of it as a Monopoly board, it used to be right down there with Pentonville Road, but now it’s up there with Regent Street. The development could be a terrible thing because communities will be destroyed to build the development land,” said Mr Jones.

Camden Council says 216 homes will be demolished, 20 business will be pulled down and a number of green spaces will be built on. Department for Transport documents say the properties will be replaced by high quality social housing.

At a government transport select committee meeting on Tuesday, campaign groups alleged rush-hour services will be slashed by 40 per cent.

Camden’s environment boss, Councillor Sue Vincent, said: “The negative impact on our residents and businesses outweighs any benefits that could be achieved for the borough.”