A PETITION sent to Solihull Council rejecting new plans submitted by HS2 to use the Kenilworth Road and Kelsey Lane through Balsall Common as a major lorry route has been endorsed by local MP Saqib Bhatti.
His action follows a letter sent by Mr Bhatti to the local authority also objecting to the proposals which would see juggernauts trundling through the village centre and driving down narrow country lanes.
So far the petition has received more than 900 signatures.
“I am pleased to see that residents have started a petition to Solihull Council to show their opposition to the resubmitted plans,” said Mr Bhatti, MP for Meriden.
“It is clear that these plans are not supported by the local community and have already been rejected by the Council.
“The people of Balsall Common deserve to be heard and should not be ignored.”
He added: “I have attended several meetings with HS2 Ltd, BBV (Balfour Beattie Vinci) and members of the local community at which HS2 Limited and BBV have offered to review the proposals.
“I believe that HS2 Ltd should adhere to this and look for alternative routes which minimise disruption and prioritise the safety of the residents.”
Councillor Andrew Burrow, member of the Berkswell Parish Council who drew up the petition, added :“HS2 have continued to ignore the wishes of the people of Balsall Common and so we are objecting to this planning application.
“I am grateful to Saqib for throwing his weight behind this petition and showing his support.
He has always held HS2 Ltd to account and his support is very welcome.”
The petition in part reads: “We, the petitioners, understand that HS2 Ltd and/or their contractors intend to reapply for planning permission to use the Kenilworth Road and Kelsey Lane as a major lorry route through central Balsall Common.
“This route was found to be highly detrimental to the community by the independent planning inspector who considered the previous planning application in December 2021.
“We consider that HS2 Ltd are requesting to use the route due to their own failure to work effectively to find an alternative route.
“We ask that Solihull Council takes all lawful steps to ensure that HS2 Ltd are not permitted to use this route and that the council works proactively with HS2 Ltd to overcome any barriers to an alternative route.”
To sign the petition click: here
