Whilst I agree with some of the improvement mentioned above such as station parking and improved public transport I fundamentally disagree with the Balsall Common bypass as currently mentioned. The original bypass plan was in the 2006 consultation and was taken out of the plan in 2013 for very good reason. The proposed route for the bypass is out of date and completely inappropriate considering the amount of house building and Hs2 construction work at this moment in time. It would only serve the proposed Barrett's farm development and be used for construction traffic for hs2, which is only temporary. You propose to build a single carriageway which would completely destroy parts of Berkswell, for no gain if you follow the existing plan. Crossing at Hob Lane (which is already a busy road) will create even more traffic and therefore more greenhouse gas emissions on a road that has a primary school on it, destroy used acrigultral land, and this area is already designated green belt land. Hall meadow road was meant to be a bypass but it turned into a race track and speed bumps have had to be added. It also allowed for further house building to take place as the Ridding estate was built up to it. This would also be the same if this bypass is built. In 2013 this was part of the reason the bypass was taken out
'It is apparent however that the focus of transport investment has shifted significantly since initial consideration of the bypass lines. Given the impact of the current economic climate, and the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is considered no longer appropriate to deliver large scale, costly transport improvements in the form of new roads. Transport policy is now focused more towards the management of travel demands, encouraging a shift away from car use and towards public transport, walking and cycling.'
Nothing has changed in this regard. I also feel we need to wait until the A46 improvements (phase 1 and 2 ) are completed as there is a strong economic case that the proposed phase 3 will deliver a much better solution than this expensive and not needed bypass. Solihull council is already aware of this plan. Given all of the above and the amount of construction taking place in the short to medium term I think the idea of this out of date bypass is quite frankly A) a waste of money B)not appropriate at this time C) will create a dangerous road network putting lives at risk D) open up more green belt land for development E) do irreversible damage to our countryside and destroy the unique character that makes Berkswell and Balsall Common a desirable location to live. I strongly object to this.