Building site. Pic: Ian Britton

Communities in Lichfield are hoping to have more of a say on the development of their local areas by creating neighbourhood plans.

Local residents are drawing up their ideas under powers given to them by the Localism Act – which will allow them to create a vision for their area on subjects such as where new homes and businesses should be built.

Other areas up for discussion are identifying and protecting green spaces and influencing what new buildings should look like.

In February, four neighbourhood areas were approved. The wards of Little Aston, Shenstone and Stonnall have each been designated, with Shenstone Parish Council being responsible for all three. The parish of Alrewas has also been designated, which Alrewas Parish Council is responsible for.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “Becoming a neighbourhood area means that local communities can create their own neighbourhood plans, based on how they want their areas to develop over time.

“It’s a fantastic way for local people to get actively involved in the planning process, and we hope more parishes will consider creating a development plan for their area.”

Longdon Parish Council has recently applied to make the ward of Longdon a neighbourhood area, as has Wigginton & Hopwas Parish Council, which has applied on behalf of the wards of Wigginton and Hopwas.

Lichfield District Council is now running a public consultation until May 14 to ask for feedback from local people about the proposed area designations.

To comment, or to find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplans or call 01543 308196.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.