Solihull councillors have voiced concerns over access to the new HS2 Interchange Station after hearing there had been a significant reduction in the number of planned parking spaces. 

Solihull Council previously gave planning approval to HS2 Interchange Station, which will sit on a 150-hectare site in a triangle of land between the M42, A45 and A452. 

Marcus King, HS2's senior engagement and interface manager, gave an update to Solihull councillor on the station he said would be "one of the best-connected places in the UK". 

It will take 38 minutes to get to London Euston from the station on HS2 while a planned automated people mover – connecting the new station with Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham International Railway Station – will carry thousands of passengers per hour.

While the northern leg of HS2 was previously scrapped, phase one between London and Birmingham is expected to open between 2029 and 2033.

In the update Mr King said: "Following extensive engagement between HS2, Solihull Council, Arden Cross and the Department for Transport there has been a key design change. 

"The reduction of approximately 3,000 parking spaces to the west of the station – this is to enable further development by the Arden Cross regeneration project.

"We will continue to engage with all stakeholders as we move forward into the next stages, seeking opportunities to further reduce high value land take in the area."

Cllr Alison Rolf asked for more details on the reduction. Mr King said the original 7,000 spaces had been reduced to 4,500 and HS2 was talking to partners about what car parking would be needed. 

Cllr Rolf said: "If you thought you needed 7,000 and you were right, and you have only got 4,500, you are going to have a problem."

Mr King replied: "Originally we were going all the way to Manchester.

"The train specification will be one of the reasons for being able to reduce car parking."

Cllr Richard Holt said: "We have got pressure to build in our area, our green belt's under massive pressure.

"I'm encouraged by the dialogue that's going on because we feel the use of that space for development would help.

"It's one thing to say we will have less car parking to facilitate building which I approve of, but it needs to be tempered with the concern there may be a lot of people who can't find a car parking space."

He said funding for enhanced car parking, like a multi storey car park, was an "important thing we should expect" from the project. 

"Car parking needs to be solved so we can make a very good fist of this job," he said. 

"We wouldn't like to think all of this money is spent and we have another wasted opportunity."

Cllr Andrew Burrow, chairman of the HS2 implementation advisory group, asked if there were firm plans on public transport links for people to use instead of cars to get to the station. He was told by officers there were not at the moment. 

"It does seem to be absolutely critical," the chairman said.

"4,500 car parking spaces doesn't seem a lot to me, members are concerned."

Cllr Mark Wilson said: "4,000 cars to me sounds a lot. 

"I think we need to explore what we can have with sustainable public transport – we don't want to clog everything with cars."

Discussions took place at the latest meeting of the advisory group held at the Civic Suite on January 30.