Issue and Options 2023

No answer given

DTC - West Midlands Combined Authority Are there any strategic cross boundary issues that need to be addressed and/or delivered through the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP)? Yes - slightly in terms of transport. While South Warwickshire is not within the Metropolitan country of the West Midlands, it will slightly boarder Solihull MBC and it should make reference and acknowledge issues like the Key Route Network (which may include bus routes/active travel routes) together with rail. Strategic cross boundary issue 1: Public transport and active travel especially concerning these modes along the West Midlands Key Route (KRN) , and in particular the A435 Alcester Road along Balsall Heath Birmingham Cross City Route, which serves South Warwickshire area. Roads forming part of the West Midlands KRN may be impacted by significant development on the boarders or within the ‘Shire’ authorities, and therefore we should be made aware of any development which may impact these roads. As part of our adopted West Midlands Local Transport Plan, TfWM makes reference to our local authority boundaries and the importance of working in partnership with neighbouring authorities, as cross boundary travel can be significant not only for commuting but also for leisure trips. Rail and bus journeys also take place, and the importance of strategic park and ride provision may be another issue to consider. WMCA, TfWM and the seven metropolitan borough authorities will continue to work together with local partners such as transport operators, with our neighbouring local authorities, with our regional partners such as West Midlands Rail Executive and Midlands Connect, and with national partners such as Government and the national agencies responsible for transport functions to develop and deliver the West Midlands LTP. Strategic cross boundary issue 2: Cross boundary rail issues should also be picked up, with the importance of working with partners like the Midlands Rail Executive. It will be important, like with any KRN issues, to understand further rail implications on the wider network and work in partnership on projects like the Midlands Rail Hub which will provide new cross-regional rail connections, new stations and enable economic growth through access to larger labour markets, new housing and through attracting more inward investment to the wider region of the West Midlands. The Midlands Rail Hub is also a core building block to enable further rail network enhancements required to meet future demand. Therefore, its important to understand any rail issues impacting South Warwickshire and the West Midlands Met region going forward. Finally, the benefits of delivering on the HS2 Growth Strategy – especially around Birmingham Interchange (UK Central) and Solihull will unlock many benefits, including released capacity on the existing network and enhance the wider regional rail network, adding wider benefits for South Warwickshire longer term.