MERIDEN MP, Saqib Bhatti has hit out once more at HS2’s plans to send juggernauts down narrow lanes in Balsall Common.
Solihull planners had already rejected one planning application back in July last year, a decision upheld by the planning now inspector.
But following the Solihull Council’s rejection last month of a second planning application HS2 has again appealed to the planning inspector.
If given the go-ahead it would see some 400 lorry movements a day down the A452, through the village onto Kelsey Lane and Waste Lane, Hodgetts Lane and Truggist Lane.
Now Mr Bhatti has written to the planning inspectorate to object to the appeal voicing his concern over environmental impact, noise, road safety and air pollution.
In his letter Mr Bhatti said: “HS2 keep submitting applications and appeals to plans that have been rejected due to safety concerns.
“They have not modified their plans to reflect the concerns and instead, they spend their time launching the same application and appealing when the outcome does not go their way.
“They spend valuable time trying to push through an application that is unpopular and unsafe, rather than trying to look for alternative routes.”
He added that residents have raised their concerns with him over safety and one spoke about those in the village who are key workers on night shifts like paramedics and ITU nurses not being able to sleep during the day due to the noise.
In his letter Mr Bhatti continued: “This appeal once again falls short of the commitment that HS2 made to be a “good neighbour” and respect the local community by looking to overturn decisions made by the local council to protect the residents of Balsall Common.
“I strongly urge HS2 Limited and BBV to come up with alternative solutions in collaboration with the local community.
“I have continuously fought against the ‘we can do what we like’ attitude of HS2 and I will continue to fight to protect Balsall Common village and it’s people.”
