Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin owns three properties in Ruislip – and apparently lives at all three, according to an official document.

But neighbours in Herlwyn Avenue are unlikely to be rushing round to borrow a cup of sugar or ask him about the progress of HS2.

The information has come to light in the Book of Reference, a document produced by the Department for Transport (DfT) showing the ownership of every property affected by the construction and operation of HS2.

The pages and pages of lists show the property reference number given by DfT for official diagrams, a description of the property, then the 'owner(s) or reputed owners(s)' and the occupier(s).

In the latter two columns for numbers 78, 104 and 172 Herlwyn Avenue the owner and occupier is listed as 'Secretary of State for Transport'.

The properties have all been purchased using the Exceptional Hardship Scheme, under which homeowners can sell their house if they can prove a pressing need, that they have tried to sell for some time and that they would have to take a significant loss because of HS2.

HS2 Ltd confirmed the government was the buyer, and tenants were either living there or soon would be. Properties are brought 'up to the letting standard', so are not always occupied immediately.

It is unclear whether the homes will ever be able to be sold.

It said the format and content of the Book of Reference is determined by Parliamentary standing orders, so had no say in its composition.

Christine Leonard of Ruislip Against HS2, who lives in Herlwyn Avenue and who has been assisting neighbours, many of them elderly, to respond to official documents that land on their doorstep, said she hoped to bump into her new neighbour.

"I have been looking out for him around here because I wanted to have a chat and ask him how he felt," she said.