HS2 bridge over Coleshill Heath Road in Chelmsley Wood approved despite concerns over how it will look

The high speed rail developer’s final designs for a Coleshill Heath Road Underbridge were lodged with Solihull Council in early December.

HS2 had also sought permission for earthworks; an area for vehicle parking, security fencing and bollards and provision of artificial lighting in the application, the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported.

And an eye-catching artist’s impression of what the bridge would look like once constructed had also been released by HS2.

The High Speed Rail Act ensures required bridges are built but the authority considers matters related to their design and construction.

In the original submitted application HS2 wrote: “The site is located 100m southwest of the M6 and M42-M6 link road, with Coleshill Heath Road crossing through the southern part of the site.

“The site consists of recreational open space bounded by landscape planting such as trees and hedgerows which separate the site from adjacent roads.

“The bridge structure has an approximate length of 19m (perpendicular to the road), a width of 24m (parallel to the road), a maximum height of approximately 12m from existing ground level to the top of the noise barrier, and a clearance of 6.26m from the highway level to the underside of the superstructure.

“Coleshill Heath Road Underbridge and retaining wall structure are required to carry four HS2 tracks.”

A consultation on the plans took place and Solihull Council wrote to HS2 about one of the concerns raised on the location of the security fencing.

The consultee said: “The security fence will introduce an uncharacteristic new feature which would disrupt the natural flow of the landscape, create visual clutter and overshadow important views.”

But in a written response HS2 provided various reasons why the location was “fully justified” including that another potential location raised the issue of trespassers “particularly once vegetation has matured to offer a climbing opportunity”.

And on Tuesday, (May 27) Mark Andrews, the authority’s head of planning, design and engagement services, issued a decision notice which said the bridge had been given permission, subject to conditions.

The plans can still be viewed on the authority’s website by visiting PL/2024/02906/HS2DIS at https//publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.