We have made an application to the Secretary of State for Transport for a ‘non-material change’ to the Development Consent Order (“DCO”) which provides the planning framework for the delivery of West Midlands Interchange.

This application seeks to make minor amendments to the DCO approved plans to accommodate new design information which has arisen during the detailed design process, and can be summarised as follows:

• The Bridge Span and Width Changes: amendments to the consented bridge spans and widths for bridges proposed to carry the A5/A449 Link Road across the West Coast Main Line Loop railway and Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal;
• The Road Level Changes: amendments to the spot heights for the proposed A5/A449 Link Road, and north-south spine road linking the proposed Link Road with Vicarage Road to facilitate effective drainage and accommodate road design requirements;
• The Rail Infrastructure Area (Zone C) Changes: inclusion of additional land purchased by Four Ashes Limited which currently sits outside of the Order Limits (red line boundary) within the south of the proposed new rail infrastructure. This will accommodate extended rail infrastructure within the new railway area which connects the Rail Freight Terminal to the West Coast Main Line Loop Railway (“WCML Loop”). It also proposes new rail infrastructure to accommodate a wider railway line underneath the widened Bridge (No.1 span width) as part of the Bridge Span Changes;
• The Straight Mile / Woodlands Lane / Kings Road Footway Changes: amendments to the proposed locations of dropped kerb crossings and new footway on Straight Mile / Woodlands Lane / Kings Road.

To view the proposals and further information – including how to get copies if needed – please visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-interchange.

The deadline to send comments is 11.59pm on 14 July 2023.

All responses should be sent via the Planning Inspectorate email address: wminterchange@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or in writing to: National Infrastructure Planning, The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square Temple Quay Bristol BS1 6PN. Please quote “West Midlands Interchange project – Non-Material Change” on any correspondence.