HS2 has been given the go-ahead for its major new building in Burton Green which will be "crucial" in helping maintain the new railway line.

In the same week as the developer said it was halfway through the green tunnel in the area, the designs for the 'Burton Green Portal Building' have been approved.

Plans show it will be positioned near the eastern end of the green tunnel, which is currently being built.

It will be 67 metres long, 20 metres wide and 8.8 metres tall, and will house "mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems".

A new maintenance road around the line will also be built.

Constructed with precast concrete panels, the building will also have "a green roof system" to help "minimise the visual impact of the building, provide better control of surface water and prevent solar heat gain".

Outline plans for the new building (image via planning application)

The application to Warwick District Council explained: "Overall, Burton Green Portal Building is deemed necessary with regards to operation and maintenance of the HS2 line, as well as staff and passenger safety in the event of an emergency on the HS2 line or along Burton Green Tunnel."

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The HS2 Act decrees the building will be built, with the council only able to comment on elements of its design.

See the full application here.