Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllrs Caudwell and Rolf, who were unable to join the meeting physically but attended virtually with the Chairman’s permission.

None received.

A deputation was received from a local resident Mrs Sheila Cooper who was representing herself and five other local residents. Mrs Cooper referenced the poor behaviour of contractors which was impacting on the daily lives of local residents. Mrs Cooper highlighted the dangers being experienced by local people and breaches of the code of construction practise by contractors. Mrs Cooper cited that roads and pavements were covered in mud and the surface was deteriorating. Contractors were using unallocated roads which was adding to the misery and danger for residents. Mrs Cooper requested that Solihull MBC invest in the local infrastructure and if the Council did not have the money then the HS2 Road Safety fund should be made available.

At the request of the Chairman the Group Delivery Manager was asked to respond in writing to Mrs Cooper directly.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th December 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2021 were presented.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2021 be approved.

To provide a verbal update on how road works in areas which border Solihull are communicated to local residents.

The Advisory Group were provided with a verbal update on how road works in areas which border Solihull were communicated to local residents.

Jonathan Lord HS2 Ltd confirmed that roadworks occurring in Birmingham and Warwickshire would impact on Solihull residents and work streams were being assessed on the impact this would have on Solihull residents. Mr Lord confirmed that engagement with Solihull residents would be improved and confirmed that engagement was taking place with parish councils. Mr Lord advised that notifications would be distributed further afield and include Solihull residents when necessary.

Members welcomed the response from Mr Lord however they questioned whether the information being provided could be clearer with the use of schematic maps and diagrams. Mr Lord advised that residents were encouraged to use the online platform which provided clear information not just listing A/B road numbers. He also suggested that more work could be done with Solihull Communications team and he would liaise with them accordingly. On the issue of other works taking place at the same time (Utilities or SMBC highway work) he suggested this could be better sequenced.

To provide a short verbal update on the ecology works within the Borough.

Members were provided with a verbal update on the ecology works within the Borough. (Page 31 of the papers)

This item focused on:

·  LM Environmental mitigations

·  Landscape design and planting

·  Burton Green KDE

Members questioned how the community could be more involved with the replanting of the sites where there was so much bare earth. Mr de Bell advised that local communities would be involved but the type of work suggested would still be some time away.

To receive a programme update from HS2 Ltd.

The Advisory Group received a programme update from HS2 Ltd.

The first part of the presentation from Nick Field Project Manager (LM) covered the following points:

·  Enabling works update interchange area, Solihull March 2022

·  Permanent traffic measures in the interchange area

·  Key future traffic measures

·  Communicating our works in the interchange area - December 2021 to 25th of February 2022

·  Involving communities in the interchange area - December 2021 to 25th of February 2022

At this point Members raised the issue of signage with regards to the works regarding the longabout programme with specific reference to access to the garden centre.  Mr. Field advised that additional signage for the garden centre would be considered.

With regard to Park Lane roundabout Members questioned when this work would be completed and Mr. Field advised that a written response would be provided. Members also questioned when Wootton Lane would reopen as they had been advised that this would be in January but it remained closed. Mr Lord confirmed that it was anticipated Wootton Lane would reopen in mid-March 2022.

The next part of the PowerPoint presentation focused on IAG main works update and covered the following points:

·  A three month look ahead with specific reference made to the Carol Green bridge/Truggist Lane compound works. The West Coast main line would be closed over the Easter weekend with a replacement bus service provided

·  Coleshill Heath Park compound

·  Paul Wood embankment works

·  Coleshill Heath Road concrete batching plant

·  Overhead power lines - West Coast mainline

In relation to this part of the presentation Members asked for assurance that information about the closure of the West Coast main line would be available as soon as possible and this closure would not coincide with other significant road closures. Mr de Bell confirmed that a replacement bus service would be provided, as well as the exact time of closures. Information on the replacement bus service would be made available.

With regards to Engagement in Solihull the PowerPoint presentation covered Solihull drop ins, work with Parish Councils and future meetings.

At this point Members sought assurance that the detailed design of the HS2 interchange would allow for a future Midland metro connection. Mr Lord confirmed it would as far as he was aware, but would confirm this.

The presentation moved on to Haul routes and Members requested that more information be provided with regard to haul routes in north Warwickshire which could impact on Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst and Castle Bromwich especially in relation to tailbacks. In relation to the diagram on page 37 of the agenda Members asked that this be extended to cover the point made above.

The final presentation also focused on community engagement update and covered Community and business funds - a total of £40 million was available for community and business groups along the phase one route to improve local areas or support the local economy. Almost £570,000 had been awarded in Solihull from HS2’s Community and Environment Fund (CEF], and Business and Local Economy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive a verbal update of the HS2 project from Solihull Council’s Highway Services Division.

Members were advised that no significant schedule 4 applications had been submitted since December 2021.

To provide an update on the current version of the Key Issues Tracker.

Members were advised that In relation to Chelmsley Wood Public Space and the mitigation for Heath Park there was nothing further to report at this time.

At the conclusion of the meeting the Chairman thanked all for their attendance and summarised further action required by HS2 Ltd and their partners, which included:

·  Details on the West Coast Mainline closures – the ongoing communications, timings of closure, location of bus replacement service, etc.

·  More signage for the garden centre

·  Park Lane roundabout a written response re completion of work

·  Clarification on the linking of the HS2 line development with Metro line

·  Communication of ongoing works in North Warwickshire

·  Further level of detail on the engagement report – a breakdown of enquiries and complaints by location within the Borough