Balsall Common: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 52°23′29″N 1°39′06″W / 52.39144°N 1.65169°W / 52.39144; -1.65169
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2010}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2010}}
{{Infobox UK place
{{Infobox UK place
|country = England
| country = England
|official_name= Balsall Common
| official_name = Balsall Common
|coordinates = {{coord|52.39144|-1.65169|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|52.39144|-1.65169|display=inline,title}}
|population = 7,039
| population = 7,458
|population_ref = ''(2011)''
| population_ref = ''(2021)''
|civil_parish= Balsall
| civil_parish = Balsall
|metropolitan_borough= [[Metropolitan Borough of Solihull|Solihull]]
| metropolitan_borough = [[Metropolitan Borough of Solihull|Solihull]]
|region= West Midlands
| region = West Midlands
|metropolitan_county= [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]]
| metropolitan_county = [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]]
|constituency_westminster=
| constituency_westminster =
|post_town= Coventry
| post_town = COVENTRY
|postcode_district = CV7
| postcode_district = CV7
|postcode_area= CV
| postcode_area = CV
|dial_code=
| dial_code =
|os_grid_reference= SP238771
| os_grid_reference = SP238771
|static_image_name= Balsall Common.jpg
| static_image_name = Balsall Common.jpg
|static_image_caption= Station Road, the main shopping street
| static_image_caption = Station Road, the main shopping street
}}
}}
⚫
'''Balsall Common''' is a large village in the [[Metropolitan Borough of Solihull]], West Midlands, England. It is situated 5 miles (7.5&nbsp;km) northwest of [[Kenilworth]], {{convert|8|mi|km}} west of [[Coventry]], {{convert|8|mi|km}} east of [[Solihull]] and {{convert|15|mi|km}} to the southeast of [[Birmingham]]. The name “Balsall” comes from the Anglo Saxon word “Baelle” meaning corner (or angle) of land, and “Heale” meaning a sheltered place <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solihull.gov.uk/localhistory/16314.htm |title=Solihull Council - Balsall Common history |accessdate=2014-02-01 |url-status = dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202130310/http://www.solihull.gov.uk/localhistory/16314.htm |archivedate=2014-02-02 }}</ref>


==Overview==
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'''Balsall Common''' is a large village in the [[Metropolitan Borough of Solihull]], England. It is situated 4.5 miles (7.5 km) northwest of [[Kenilworth]], {{convert|7.5|mi|km}} west of [[Coventry]], {{convert|8|mi|km}} east of [[Solihull]] and {{convert|15|mi|km}} to the southeast of [[Birmingham]], to which it serves as a prosperous [[commuter village]]. It is currently undergoing gradual [[suburbanisation]] and is increasingly considered as a small town in terms of its population. The name “Balsall” comes from the Anglo Saxon word “Baelle” meaning corner (or angle) of land, and “Heale” meaning a sheltered place <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.solihull.gov.uk/localhistory/16314.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-02-01 |url-status = dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202130310/http://www.solihull.gov.uk/localhistory/16314.htm |archivedate=2014-02-02 |df= }}</ref>
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The village is split between the [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]]es of Balsall, which also includes Balsall Street, [[Temple Balsall]], and Fen End, and had a population of 7,458 according to the 2021 census. It also lies on the [[Heart of England Way]].


⚫
The village is of recent origin; most of the houses and shops were built in the 20th century. Previously, the village consisted of a couple of [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]] of about six to twelve houses each and a few scattered cottages - as {{GBvosi|e=423800|n=277100|cty=36|txt=this map of 1889}} shows. In the 1930s, there began the development which linked these isolated buildings, but it was not until after [[World War II]] that the village began to grow.
⚫
The village is split between the [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]]es of Balsall, which also includes Balsall Street, [[Temple Balsall]], and Fen End, and had a population of 7,039 according to the 2011 census. It also lies on the [[Heart of England Way]].


⚫
With its proximity to the village of [[Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden]] {{convert|4|mi|km}} away, which until recently was long-believed to be the geographic centre of England, Balsall Common is perceived to be one of the furthest places from the [[Coastline of the United Kingdom|UK coastline]]. In fact,{{cn|date=February 2023}} [[Coton-in-the-Elms]] in south [[Derbyshire]] holds this designation, situated {{convert|23.5|mi}} to the north. Nevertheless, Balsall Common's [[secondary school]] is named the [[Heart of England School]]. The local primary school is Balsall Common Primary School.
⚫
The village is of recent origin; most of the houses and shops were built in the 20th century. Previously, the village consisted of a couple of [[Hamlet (place)|hamlets]] of about six to twelve houses each and a few scattered cottages - as {{GBvosi|e=423800|n=277100|cty=36|txt=this map of 1889}} shows. In the 1930s, there began the development which linked these isolated buildings, but it was not until after [[World War II]] that the village really began to grow.


It is served by [[Berkswell railway station]] (actually in Balsall Common) on the [[London and Birmingham Railway|Coventry-Birmingham]] line, and by bus to Solihull service 88/88A. The station was formerly called Berkswell & Balsall Common. The [[High Speed 2]] railway line is currently under construction on the edge of the village, and will include the {{convert|425|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} [[Balsall Common Viaduct]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Balsall Common Viaduct |url=https://www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/viaducts-and-bridges/balsall-common-viaduct/ |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=HS2 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
⚫
With its close proximity to the village of [[Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden]] {{convert|4|mi|km}} away, which until recently was long-believed to be the geographic centre of England, Balsall Common is perceived to be one of the furthest places from the [[Coastline of the United Kingdom|UK coastline]]. In fact, [[Coton-in-the-Elms]] in south [[Derbyshire]] holds this designation, situated 23.5 miles (37.8&nbsp;km) to the north. Nevertheless, Balsall Common's [[secondary school]] is named the [[Heart of England School]]. The local primary school is named [https://web.archive.org/web/20051126030735/http://www.bcpsonline.org.uk/index.html Balsall Common Primary School].


⚫
Other nearby towns and villages include [[Knowle, West Midlands|Knowle]], [[Kenilworth]], [[Warwick]], [[Hampton in Arden]], [[Berkswell]], [[Barston]], [[Honiley]] and [[Hatton, Warwickshire|Hatton]]. Its districts include Needler's End, Yew Tree, Catchems Corner, Balsall Street and Hallmeadow (developed in the 1990s).
It is served by [[Berkswell railway station]] (actually in Balsall Common) on the [[London and Birmingham Railway|Coventry-Birmingham]] line, and by bus to Solihull (service [[West Midlands Warwick Road bus Corridor#Knowle and Dorridge|S2A/S2C]]).


⚫
Since the late-1990s, plans for a bypass, a large national supermarket and larger swathes of new housing have so far been circumvented. This is mainly due to Balsall Common being situated at the heart of the West Midlands [[Green belt (United Kingdom)|green belt]] area known as the [[Meriden Gap]], between [[Solihull]] and [[Coventry]], and is thus subject to strict planning regulations. Therefore, the village has so far not witnessed rapid growth given its location, as residents had long-feared that the village would act as a population overspill centre for Coventry, Solihull and [[Birmingham]].
⚫
Other nearby towns and villages include [[Knowle, West Midlands|Knowle]], [[Kenilworth]], [[Warwick]], [[Hampton-in-Arden]], [[Berkswell]], [[Barston]], [[Honiley]] and [[Hatton, Warwickshire|Hatton]]. Its districts include Needler's End, Yew Tree, Catchems Corner, Balsall Street and Hallmeadow (developed in the 1990s).

⚫
Since the late-1990s, plans for a bypass, a large national supermarket and larger swathes of new housing have so far been circumvented. This is mainly due to Balsall Common being situated at the heart of the West Midlands [[Green belt (United Kingdom)|green belt]] area known as the [[Meriden Gap]], between [[Solihull]] and [[Coventry]], and is thus subject to strict planning regulations. Therefore, the village/town has so far not witnessed rapid growth given its location, as residents had long-feared that the village would act as a population overspill centre for Coventry, Solihull and [[Birmingham]]. A new [[Tesco Metro]] store opened in December 2014 on Station Road.

==Notable residents==
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2020}}
Several Premiership and Championship footballers live (and have lived) in Balsall Common, especially those playing with [[Birmingham City]], [[Aston Villa]] and [[Coventry City]]. These include [[John Sillett]], [[Trond Egil Soltvedt]], [[Trevor Francis]] in the late 1970s, [[Lee Carsley]] and [[Robbie Keane]]. Other famous sporting residents include, former England cricket captain [[Bob Wyatt]] and [[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] ladies single champion [[Maud Watson]]. Former England international goalkeeper [[Peter Shilton]] briefly lived in the village from late-1995 to early 1996, before moving to nearby [[Burton Green]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}.
Another notable resident is [[Paddy Doyle]], who formerly held numerous fitness and endurance world records. [[Neil Back]], Rugby Union, [[Leicester Tigers]] British and Irish Lions also Lived in Balsall Common during his career in the 1990s – early 2000s


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

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==External links==
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{{Commons category|Balsall Common}}
*[http://www.balsallcom.com: BalsallCom.Com] - community website with forums run by local people.
*[http://www.balsallcom.com: BalsallCom.Com] - community website with forums run by local people.
*[http://www.balsallcom.com/features/history/a-brief-history-of-balsall-common/ A brief history of Balsall Common]
*[http://www.balsallcom.com/features/history/a-brief-history-of-balsall-common/ A brief history of Balsall Common]
*{{gbmapping|SP238771}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20101006031629/http://www.centrestagedramagroup.co.uk/ Centre Stage] - amateur dramatic group
*[http://thejubileebc.com The Jubilee] - local community space for hire
* [https://balsallcommonfestival.com/ The Balsall Common Festival Home ], balsallcommonfestival.com - voluntary organisation
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180821120921/https://balsallbugle.com/ The Bugle] - community magazine published quarterly


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==External links==
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{{Commons category-inline|Balsall Common}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Villages in the West Midlands (county)]]
[[Category:Villages in the West Midlands (county)]]
[[Category:Solihull]]
[[Category:Geography of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull]]

Revision as of 15:10, 12 April 2024

Balsall Common
Station Road, the main shopping street
Balsall Common is located in West Midlands county
Balsall Common
Balsall Common
Location within the West Midlands
Population7,458 (2021)
OS grid referenceSP238771
Civil parish
  • Balsall
Metropolitan borough
Metropolitan county
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townCOVENTRY
Postcode districtCV7
PoliceWest Midlands
FireWest Midlands
AmbulanceWest Midlands
List of places
UK
England
West Midlands
52°23′29″N 1°39′06″W / 52.39144°N 1.65169°W / 52.39144; -1.65169

Balsall Common is a large village in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, West Midlands, England. It is situated 5 miles (7.5 km) northwest of Kenilworth, 8 miles (13 km) west of Coventry, 8 miles (13 km) east of Solihull and 15 miles (24 km) to the southeast of Birmingham. The name “Balsall” comes from the Anglo Saxon word “Baelle” meaning corner (or angle) of land, and “Heale” meaning a sheltered place [1]

Overview

The village is split between the civil parishes of Balsall, which also includes Balsall Street, Temple Balsall, and Fen End, and had a population of 7,458 according to the 2021 census. It also lies on the Heart of England Way.

The village is of recent origin; most of the houses and shops were built in the 20th century. Previously, the village consisted of a couple of hamlets of about six to twelve houses each and a few scattered cottages - as this map of 1889 shows. In the 1930s, there began the development which linked these isolated buildings, but it was not until after World War II that the village began to grow.

With its proximity to the village of Meriden 4 miles (6.4 km) away, which until recently was long-believed to be the geographic centre of England, Balsall Common is perceived to be one of the furthest places from the UK coastline. In fact,[citation needed] Coton-in-the-Elms in south Derbyshire holds this designation, situated 23.5 miles (37.8 km) to the north. Nevertheless, Balsall Common's secondary school is named the Heart of England School. The local primary school is Balsall Common Primary School.

It is served by Berkswell railway station (actually in Balsall Common) on the Coventry-Birmingham line, and by bus to Solihull service 88/88A. The station was formerly called Berkswell & Balsall Common. The High Speed 2 railway line is currently under construction on the edge of the village, and will include the 425-metre-long (1,394 ft) Balsall Common Viaduct.[2]

Other nearby towns and villages include Knowle, Kenilworth, Warwick, Hampton in Arden, Berkswell, Barston, Honiley and Hatton. Its districts include Needler's End, Yew Tree, Catchems Corner, Balsall Street and Hallmeadow (developed in the 1990s).

Since the late-1990s, plans for a bypass, a large national supermarket and larger swathes of new housing have so far been circumvented. This is mainly due to Balsall Common being situated at the heart of the West Midlands green belt area known as the Meriden Gap, between Solihull and Coventry, and is thus subject to strict planning regulations. Therefore, the village has so far not witnessed rapid growth given its location, as residents had long-feared that the village would act as a population overspill centre for Coventry, Solihull and Birmingham.

References

  1. ^ "Solihull Council - Balsall Common history". Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  2. ^ "Balsall Common Viaduct". HS2. Retrieved 10 February 2023.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Balsall Common.
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