The planning inspector and Secretary of State upheld the second HS2 Ltd appeal against the SMBC refusal of planning permission to increase the number of trucks that HS2 run through Balsall Common centre and down Kelsey Lane. On the face of it that would have tripled the number of trucks using that route to 188 per day each way.
We are pleased to advise that instead of increasing from 60 to 188 trucks per day each way, HS2 Ltd have agreed an increase from 60 to 94 per day. The key wording from HS2 Ltd to SMBC confirming this says:-
To address these concerns, I have implemented a cap for BBV and their supply chain (including utilities etc.) on the number of LGV movements allowed on Waste Lane/ Kelsey Lane which limits LGV movements to 94 in and 94 out of the sites each day, other than in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances would be short in duration and linked to a specific activity such as a concrete pour that needs to be completed within a specific time. Where practicable we will provide advanced notice of those occurrences to your officers. The cap would not be amended without first discussing any change with you (SMBC)
Ian Courts, the Council Leader, took a strong line on the need for a robust legal approach using some detail within the Planning Inspector’s decision statement to achieve a better outcome for residents. The Act of Parliament allowed 257 HGVs each way per day but the combined forces of Andy Street, the West Midlands Mayor, Saqib Bhatti MP, the Leader of the Council, and Meriden ward councillors have secured a better outcome. Mitigation will still take place despite the lower number of planned trucks. That will include:
- 20 mph speed limit
- Four speed visors to show actual speeds of vehicles
- Road narrowing chicanes to force traffic to slow on both Kelsey and Waste Lanes
A roundabout at the junction of Windmill and Kelsey lanes will not be included, because it was likely that trucks would run straight across it and it would encourage cars to rat run down Meeting House Lane to avoid tailbacks on the Kenilworth Road. There was no support for it during the consultation and a doubling of speed visors and an additional chicane on Waste Lane are thought to be more effective at slowing traffic.
For those living on the Kenilworth Road, please note that there are about 500 non HS2 trucks each way a day, with over 10,000 car and light commercial vehicles. Please see the Bugle article for an update on the bypass. The average speed cameras are still planned for this financial year.
