28/09/2026
The MRHA rail scheme consultation period is over, so now the hard work starts... Our focus over the coming months is to spread the word that A BETTER RAIL SCHEME IS POSSIBLE! and to ensure that MRHA go back to the drawing board for the East Chord.
This is what needs to be understood about the MRHA proposals:
The proposed scheme is not aligned with the Local Plan and has negative impacts – on local economy, social value, community, conservation, nature and property blight – that far exceed what was previously understood by proposers. Beyond being detrimental to the city, the current approach risks a contentious public inquiry and expensive land acquisition and an inefficient use of public funds.
The consultation material did not include all of the damaging work that will be needed to reap the full benefits the scheme claims (in particular in the Bordesley Village area), which means stakeholders have not been provided with a fully informed picture.
Other ways of delivering the rail outcomes have been identified that are highly likely to be less problematic, represent a more cost-effective use of taxpayer money and potentially provide wider benefits.
It would appear that MRHA and Network Rail chose the proposed scheme without full knowledge of its impacts and costs. As a result, they must now revisit all alternative ways of delivering the East Chord and its wider benefits to the Midlands, including through use of Curzon Street station.
The project should be split, delivering the much less problematic West Chord within the agreed timescale, as it is fully funded and less disruptive. Meanwhile, more time should be allocated to rethink the East Chord and the links to the East Midlands. These are not fully funded, and cause far greater disruption, damage, land acquisition and public contention.
MRHA should publish a summary of the responses received as soon as possible, alongside any revised timescales and plans for further stakeholder engagement.
Interested to know more? You can read our full consultation response at the link below.
We will be writing to MRHA seeking a meeting with them, as well as contacting other decision-makers to put them in the picture and get them on board.
How can you help? Check the link in the first comment.
