Detailed plans for the 690-metre 'cut and cover' tunnel in Burton Green have been submitted by HS2.

The high-speed rail developer has already revealed the tunnel will be masked by extensive tree planting to "integrate seamlessly with the existing landscape".

And an application submitted to Warwick District Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council shows that a number of options had been considered for the design, including creating a bored tunnel, like the one being built in Long Itchington.

But the plans state that a bored tunnel would have been more expensive and would have led to "limited environmental improvement" in the long term.

The cut and cover tunnel will see the existing underpass widened and deepened.

Tunnel portals will be built at each end, with a small stream having to be diverted at the south entrance.

(image via planning application)

A 1,082-metre retaining structure will be built, as well as boundary and security fencing.

advertisement

The current Burton Green Village Hall will be demolished - to be replaced with the new hall on Red Lane which is nearing completion.

A new overbridge will be built for Waste Lane, with a separate set of plans for this to be submitted.

The Cromwell Lane bridge will also be demolished during the construction of the tunnel. Once complete the bridge will be rebuilt, slightly higher. HS2 said the same traffic arrangements will be in place on the new road.

The application states: "The Cromwell Lane reinstatement is based on a like-for-like replacement of the existing highway, including the replacement of existing traffic calming measures which ensure safe access to the Kenilworth Greenway. 

"The footway on the proposed embankment will be two metres wide, improving the pedestrian connectivity across the greenway cutting, along Cromwell Lane."

The arrangements for Cromwell Lane (image via planning application)

A new underpass will also be cut below Cromwell Lane so the realigned Kenilworth Greenway can pass under the road.

Concrete noise barriers are proposed either side of the track in order to "screen surrounding properties and land from noise as HS2 trains enter and exit the northwestern end of Burton Green tunnel".

advertisement

Four public rights of way will be crossed, but all will be retained.

The plans added: "The proposed ponds and swales which are incorporated into the landscaping scheme combined with the landscaping earthworks and planting will have the added impact of biodiversity enhancements, creating wetland habitats in addition to woodland and vegetated habitats along the redirected greenway."

View the application in full here.

(image via planning application)