HS2 ‘green tunnel’ go-ahead
PLANS for an HS2 ‘green tunnel’ that will cut through Warwickshire and Solihull have been approved despite claims of residents being “bamboozled” and half-hearted community consultation.
Solihull Council’s planning committee gave unanimous approval to the high speed railway tunnel in Burton Green that will mask the railway as it slices through the borough.
The 400-metre tunnel in Burton Green will be covered with plants and footpaths.
Public space in the Kenilworth Greenway will also be realigned under plans.
The Greenway provides a link from Balsall Common to Kenilworth via Burton Green for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
HS2 added that “ongoing” engagement with the community continued.
But local resident Richard Lloyd said: “Two months ago you asked for proper and meaningful consultations and I am sorry to disappoint you, the applicant boycotted the meeting and their contractors were only there on the telephone.
“Only four local groups have participated and I don’t think there was any real intention to make improvements to the scheme submitted.
“It’s easy to get bamboozled by HS2’s engagement, they say they’ve talked to the Greenway Trust which has been defunct for years, and the Rights of Way Working Group hasn’t met since last May, and the actions haven’t been carried out, the footpaths are in a dreadful state.”
He urged HS2 and the council to “sort it out and get it right for our residents”
and concluded: “At the moment I get the impression that HS2 Limited is just thumbing their nose at us.”
HS2 representative Julia Summerfield said in response: “The design before you has been influenced by a petitioning process, as has the treatment of the Burton Green tunnel as a key design element.
“Consequently Balfour Beatty VINCI undertook specific public engagements in two phases, the first, in 2019 to understand what was important to people in the local area and the second in 2022 to share the outcomes of the community input and to explain the way in which that feedback had been incorporated into the updated design.
“Each of the two phases was attended by over 160 people.
“Since these events there has been regular engagement with Solihull Council, the parish councils and other community groups about the Burton Green area and other HS2 structures.”
Chairing the planning meeting, Councillor Dave Pinwell said he would vote for the tunnel, but with some reservation.
He explained: “I do so with not the sweetest of tastes in my mouth I must say, because of the disappointment that I share in what has happened since that decision at the January meeting.”
Alan Payne, HS2’s senior project manager said: “We’re delighted to receive Schedule 17 planning consent for the northern section of the green tunnel from Solihull Council.
“We’re committed to maximising green space around the new high speed railway, and have worked with residents and authorities to ensure our tunnel design conserves, enhances and transforms the landscape in this area. The design for the permanent realignment for the Kenilworth Greenway and the landscape infrastructure created over the green tunnel is central to how we deliver this, linking the local community and railway with the wider landscape.”