SMBC is still asking for the Balsall Common Tunnel and the Hampton-in-Arden re-alignment and tunnelling proposal to be further considered. Although HS2 offers some mitigation measures by way of environmental enhancement, it should look more widely than just the rail corridor to improve landscape, ecology, heritage sites, etc to offset local impact.
SMBC would like to see a community fund which is locally administered to compensate Communities and give them the opportunity to gain something positive from HS2.
Complete noise data should be provided, with details of ‘peak’ noise so that a full health impact assessment can be made. Some of the haulage routes are unacceptable to SMBC, ie Truggist Lane, Lavender Hall Lane, Diddington Lane, Water Orton Road and Middle Bickenhill Lane, to name a few.
If The Greenway is used, SMBC would like to see an upgrade/improvement in its restored, post-construction, state.
SMBC is keen to work with HS2 to establish temporary road access across fields and an alternative way forward to limit the effects on local roads.
Also improvements to viaduct design and further work done on biodiversity offsetting such as local improved planting and environmental improvements to compensate for the loss caused by the new line.