Building site. Pic: Ian Britton
Building site. Pic: Ian Britton

Decision makers in Lichfield have been urged to “think again” about proposed new housing developments across the city.

The call came from Roger Manning, chairman of the Streethay Against Development (SAD) campaign group.

SAD are currently battling two developments which could alter the shape of their village.

The first would see more than 800 new homes built on farmland, while the second would see a road from a proposed 5,000 property development in Curborough join the Burton Road through Streethay.

And Mr Manning believes a “lack of joined-up thinking” is to blame for the current unpopularity of developments across the Lichfield District area. He explained:

“It is a simple fact that the speculative 5,000 home development [at Curborough] is not needed for indigenous growth over the next 20-odd years. It is purely a commercial project that will add to the deterioration and inevitable demise of ancient Lichfield and its enviable surrounds.

“Although this proposed development is not included in the Local Development Framework, Lichfield DC is in a planning pickle. It is following a building programme that some of its members in the Regional Assembly have accepted and are now ready to introduce locally and change the face of Lichfield. The core problems are the lack of joined-up thinking and an understanding of what Lichfield and its surrounds represent – antiquity, architecture, elegance and some exceptional views and scenery.

“This is the time to stop, take stock and plan for the future is now. Let us forcefully persuade those who have helped to get us into this mess to think again.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.