A report has recommended plans for new homes to be built on two areas of public open space in Lichfield are rejected.

Land at Netherstowe
The land at Netherstowe earmarked for housing

The planning committee at Lichfield District Council is set to decide on whether to approve the building on Netherstowe and Leyfields.

It comes after a controversial decision by the local authority to sell the land to housing provider Bromford.

But the reports to the planning committee will be a boost for campaigners – and more than 1,000 people who signed an online petition – who are seeking to prevent any building work take place.

Reports to a meeting of the planning committee have both recommended refusal on similar grounds.

“The proposal is not considered to constitute sustainable development as it would result in the loss of land designated for open space.”

Planning report

The reports added that the while the affordable housing projects were “positive”, the two sites had greater value to communities living nearby.

On the Netherstowe site, the report said:

“The development proposes a significant built form that would look out of character with the immediate area that would also have the potential to create less than significant impact on very important views to Lichfield Cathedral.”

Planning report
The land off Leyfields earmarked for new housing
The land off Leyfields earmarked for new housing

The report on Leyfields explained:

“The application however would result in the loss of an important open space which the applicant has failed to address the fact that this proposal would result insignificant and demonstrable harm to the ability of the local community to interact with each other and their ability to create healthy inclusive communities, to the detriment of their well-being.”

Planning report

Councillors will debate the report at a planning committee meeting on 8th February.

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Pam Beale
3 years ago

Important to protect green space for people to enjoy but the idea that the view of the cathedral has to be preserved for all makes me laugh. It isn’t the only nice thing to see in Lichfield you know! I can’t see it from my house but I cope OK. My lovely view across fields at sunset is now a massive building site (on way to Wall Island) but somehow that view doesn’t carry any weight compared to cathedral sightings!!

Emily
3 years ago

This entire saga begs the question – if the overwhelming majority of people in Lichfield didn’t want this, and now a planning report is rejecting it….why on Earth was council ever considering it in the first place?? Why are proposals able to progress this far? Surely that needs to be addressed.?

Linda
3 years ago

It is very gratifying to know that the value of green spaces to communities has been recognised in these reports. I hope the Planning Committee will take this on board and reject the proposed housing development.

Sarah Landon
3 years ago

Tell me about it Pam I can’t see the Cathedral either!

Oh no wait I live in Worcester thats why!

Rob
3 years ago

Hear we are again, council does not know what’s going on in different parts of the council departments. Ignoring the local community. Is it worth having district councillors. No wonder council elections are a low turnout.
We need open spaces for the community to exercise, relax & enjoy

Megan
3 years ago

Good news though. We need some good news. Let’s hope the committee listen to the residents and go along with the recommendations.