MERIDEN MP Saqib Bhatti has publicly objected to HS2-related planning applications in Balsall Common which would lead to a significant increase in vehicles, including HGVs, on local roads.
Opposing the plans on the grounds of ‘environmental impact, noise, road safety and air pollution’, Mr Bhatti has urged Solihull planning committee to reject the applications.
Instead, he suggests consideration is given to ‘alternative solutions in collaboration with the local community in Balsall Common’, 3,700 of whom have already signed a petition objecting to the plans.
In a letter to the SMBC Planning Committee, he says: “The significant increase in the number of vehicles proposed will result in congestion on local roads and will be detrimental to air quality in a residential area.
“Hallmeadow Road itself is unsuitable in terms of the proposed increase in traffic volume.
“These applications will result in loss of amenity for Balsall Common residents.
“There is a clear alternative by providing a continuous trace-line haul route using the Truggist Hill Farm bridge or a temporary structure that would remove construction traffic from the local road and lane networks.
“This would mitigate many of the concerns residents are highlighting – for instance huge increase in HGVs on local residential roads and
increased air pollution.
“This is simply not good enough and falls short of the commitment that HS2 made to be a ‘good neighbour’.
“The people of Balsall Common deserve much better than what they are being offered, they deserve to be listened to.”
