THE CONTROVERSIAL HS2 plans for the Balsall Common Viaduct have been approved by Solihull Borough Council.
Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti opposed the plans, saying it was ‘another example of HS2 treating the residents of Balsall Common as second class compared to other areas of the country’.
The viaduct will be 425m long, approximately 10m above ground level and pass over Truggist Lane, Bayleys Brook, Heart of England Way Walk and the associated floodplain.
HS2 Ltd’s senior project manager for Balsall Common, Alan Payne, said: “We’re very pleased to receive planning approval from Solihull Council for the design of the Balsall Common Viaduct.
“We’ve engaged with the community and local councillors over the last couple of years to incorporate their feedback as much as possible.
“We also thank the officers and local councillors who have worked with us to agree additional conditions, as part of the decision.
“We look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead to enable these to be discharged.”
He added he was confident the plans respected and enhanced the local history and natural environment of the area and would provide new green areas for people and wildlife to enjoy.
The designs have attracted significant opposition from the local communities of Balsall Common and Berkswell, including from parish councils.
has also started a petition to Solihull Council, so far garnering more than 300 signatures, asking HS2 to provide alternative design options.
Mr Bhatti added the community’s concerns had been ignored, adding in other areas, huge steps had been taken to mitigate the effect of the construction and viaduct designs had been provided that were much more in keeping with those areas.
“Despite promising to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee that the local community of Balsall Common would be provided with design options for consultation, HS2 have failed to offer any alternatives.”
