Solihull Motorway Service Area

Consultation

In December 2014/January 2015 a public consultation was undertaken to help inform the design of the MSA. There was both opposition to and support for the proposals. Where possible the proposals were amended to reflect the comments received. The main changes made in 2015 are set out below:

  • The area covered by development has been reduced.
  • The Facilities Building and the Hotel building have moved from the eastern side of the site, closest to the Motorway, westwards. They are now set into the hillside and surrounding elevated landscape, with the roof heights below that of the slope which runs down from the boundary with Walford Hall Farm / Solihull Road eastwards towards the M42.
  • The design of the building has evolved alongside its relocation – illustrative plans to the right show the rolling green roof and timber uprights creating a building which blends with its environment and sits within the existing landform.
  • The development area footprint has contracted and moved northwards and westwards reducing the impact on the setting of the adjoining Walford Hall Farm and the loss of good quality farmland.
  • The HGV parking area is cut into and set below the height of Solihull Road reducing the impact when viewed from the local area.
  • The parking layout has been designed with ease of movement and pedestrian safety in mind.
  • A 15m buffer zone between the development and the western edge of Aspbury’s Copse has been achieved in line with Natural England’s Standing Advice[1].
  • The proposed development will provide substantial areas of new woodland planting, in particular to the east of the main MSA building and around the proposed slip roads, new Junction and access road. This will ensure continued succession of woodland cover; provide screening and filtering of views of the proposed development from the surrounding landscape; and contribute to biodiversity.
  • No vehicle connection is required to the existing local road network (i.e. Solihull Road) to gain access to the operational MSA.

[1] Forestry Commission and Natural England Standing Advice for Ancient Woodland, Ancient Trees and Veteran Trees – updated November 2018

Whilst minor design changes have occurred following the above listed key amendments, the design and layout of the MSA remains very much the same as that submitted in 2015. Since submission the access arrangements have been subject to change as a result of the DOC scheme (please refer to Access)

Engagement has continued with local representatives. Whilst the Parish Council continue to oppose the application, arrangements have been put in place at their request to support continued engagement and a strong working relationship between parties in the event that the application is approved. These arrangements, referred to as a Community Liaison Scheme, would be delivered through a section 106 legal agreement.