A local councillor says he has concerns about a new retail and residential development in Lichfield.
Proposals have been drawn up for 70 new homes, a KFC drive-thru and a larger Lidl store on the former Norgren site on Eastern Avenue.
But Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Ray says planning chiefs must ensure affordable housing is at the heart of the development.
“The Liberal Democrats strongly support more affordable housing in the Lichfield and Burntwood area and the council does need to deliver many more affordable homes than it has delivered in recent years,” he said.
“The local plan for Lichfield District states that the affordable housing need is 377 to 702 homes per year. But the overall housebuilding target for the district is 478 homes per year. This just shows the scale of the problem of the lack of affordable housing in our area.
“I attended the consultation about the proposed development at the former Norgren site off Eastern Avenue in Lichfield that was held a few weeks ago and have various questions and concerns about this development that will have implications for the whole of Lichfield.”
Cllr Ray has now written to Lichfield District Council to raise a number of concerns – including why the development has not been used for commercial purposes alone and whether issues such as litter and noise from the fast food outlet would be tackled.
In his letter to the planning department, he said: “Lichfield is a great place to live but it is crucial that we increase the amount of affordable housing in the district. What percentage is to apply to the residential element here?
“And the affordable housing must include not only the starter homes required under Conservative policy. Many people in particular young people will still not be able to afford these and so a large amount of rented social housing is essential.
“The retail element will comprise three or four units. Clearly we have to be sure that that would not have a negative impact on the viability of the new Friarsgate retail development.”
