Planned HS2 works in Burton Green would see ancient oak felled and four months of road closures

Work is due to start later this month
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Planned works for HS2 in Burton Green would see an ancient oak tree felled and three roads closed for up to four months.

These plans have been highlighted by Alan Marshall, deputy chairman of Burton Green Parish Council, who said that he and the council are appalled with these plans.

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He said: "We have been appalled to learn that HS2’s contractor LMJV is planning to fell an irreplaceable ancient oak tree at the junction of Red Lane and Hob Lane.

The oak tree at Hob Lane junction. Photo by Alan MarshallThe oak tree at Hob Lane junction. Photo by Alan Marshall
The oak tree at Hob Lane junction. Photo by Alan Marshall

"And, in order to install two Toucan crossings for pedestrians, cyclists and horses in Red Lane and Hob Lane and traffic signals at the junction of Red Lane, Hob Lane and Cromwell lane, they plan to close all three roads for up to four months.

"The last traffic count showed that over 4,000 vehicles a day used Red Lane alone at this junction every day.

"The parish council has consistently opposed (but apparently to no avail) the proposal to cut down the oak tree, principally because its removal is to facilitate the construction of a temporary Kenilworth Greenway while the HS2 line Is built from Burton Green to Berkswell with a new Greenway route alongside it.

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"The temporary route will then be torn up and returned to its current use – but an ancient oak tree, with a trunk measuring more than one metre, cannot be reinstated.

Road closures will be in place. Photo by Alan MarshallRoad closures will be in place. Photo by Alan Marshall
Road closures will be in place. Photo by Alan Marshall

"LMJV insist the tree must come down to comply with visibility regulations and we are still waiting to learn from Warwickshire County Council (WCC) if this is so and if a dispensation may be granted.

"Parish councillors are of the view that with sufficient trimming of the lower branches, and if the ivy is cut off the tree, some lower tree limbs are removed and the section of hedge is removed as indicated on LMJV's design, sufficient visibility between Hob Lane and Red Lane can be provided."

The proposed road closures for the crossing work would start on August 24 and run to December 8.

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Alan added: "This will effectively split Burton Green in half for four months, including disruption for many commuters and also parents taking children to Burton Green school in Hob Lane.

"The posted diversionary routes will extend journeys by between three and six miles."

A spokesperson from HS2 said: “HS2 make every effort to reduce the amount of vegetation removed during construction and, as part of our commitment to provide bigger and better green spaces, we have already created several new woodlands and wildlife habitats between Solihull and Burton Green, and will plant seven million new trees between London and Birmingham.

“We’ve been working closely with council, community and equestrian representatives over the past three years to make sure the temporary Greenway is a safe community asset that locals, visitors, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders can use throughout HS2 construction.

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"It will take around four to five months to build the crossings and finish the temporary Greenway and, during this time, we need to close some roads to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.

"The removal of an oak tree on Hob Lane is necessary so that the new Greenway can meet strict road safety standards in order to keep people and drivers safe.”

Here is what is planned at Burton Green

~ The new railway will go under Burton Green in a 1.8 km long tunnel that broadly follows the alignment of the Kenilworth Greenway.

~ Contractors are due to build a temporary 'Greenway' to act as a diversion during construction for HS2 between Berkswell and Burton Green, which is expected to last around five years.

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~ Work is underway to build the path and fences for the temporary Greenway in fields between Waste Lane, Balsall Common, and Hob Lane, Burton Green.

~ HS2 is now looking to build crossing points for the temporary Greenway over three roads: Waste Lane, Hob Lane and Red Lane.

~ They will need to completely close the three roads, with temporary diversions in place, to build the crossings

~ It is anticipated to take between four and five months to finish the crossings and the Greenway

For more information about the work, road closures and diversions in Burton Green go to: www.hs2inwarwickshire.co.uk and click on the ‘Burton Green tunnel’ page.