A decision on whether a new housing development in Lichfield can go ahead has been deferred.

The land at Cricket Lane. Picture: Google Streetview
The land at Cricket Lane. Picture: Google Streetview

The proposal for 520 new homes on land at Cricket Lane was due to be decided by Lichfield District Council’s planning committee tonight (8th March).

But a report to the meeting revealed how issues raised by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust meant “further clarification” was now needed on some issues.

“The officer’s report has failed to demonstrate that the proposed Cricket Lane/Tamworth Road junction improvements, which are fundamental to meeting the needs of the development, are compatible with the engineering requirements and alignment of the canal bridge and its associated works.

“The applicant has accepted that it is necessary to raise the level of Cricket Lane to achieve a highway alignment that accommodates the bridge.

“Existing levels are maintained at the junction stop line. No detail of road profile or gradients are provided to demonstrate that the improvements are compliant with highway design and safety standards.

“With respect to the canal, the report places great emphasis on the need for consistency in approach between the Deanslade Park, south of Lichfield, and Cricket Lane.

“In considering the south of Lichfield, the council required provision of full details to prove that the development, the canal, and the Lichfield Southern Bypass would all fit within the available land area – for reasons hitherto unexplained, the council has not required a similar approach be taken for Cricket Lane.”

Supplementary report to Lichfield District Council’s planning committee

The latest deferral comes after a similar agreement to push back a controversial proposal to allow planning permission for housing on land at Leyfields and Netherstowe.

That decision came after a previous planning committee meeting was told “further information has come to light” on the application.

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Bill
3 years ago

Ian “wet mix” Eadie won’t be happy….

Philip
3 years ago

Well a humped backed bridge isn’t going to do it. Not with the massive lorry flow from the by pass (sic) and the warehouses on this site. It would call for a very deep lock similar to the one further down the road on the A51. That is going to cost at least a million; maybe more. As the saying has it “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” This has all the hallmark of Lichfield planning.

The Scribbler
3 years ago

What is the point of Lichfield’s planning committee?
Hands tied.
Decisions deferred.
Scared of developers.
Officers making key decisions on their own.
They have no authority here.

Megan
3 years ago

At last. Someone has had the good sense to “Stop and think”. A good meme. Always better than rushing headlong into something because there is nothing else thought of better to do. An overall comprehensive look at planning matters would be constructive taking all of the current pertinent issues we are faced with as a species into consideration not just focusing on a single one. It can be seen with hindsight how planning to date has been predetermined. Cutting Council budgets to the bare bone so they have no option but to build, build, build for council tax revenues. Pressure put on planning officers and councillors to come up with the goods. Constituency representatives need to push back. What about our nursing staff, those who do care, give their all to look after us. make sure we are safe and protected. Like the community nurse I met had been out to work at 6am in the driven snow on a cold frosty morning giving her all. If the Government wants to value anything value the nurses’ contribution. Next pandemic we might not be so lucky! I’d say a wise PM knows which side his bread is buttered. Remind me again, how many millions, sorry billions, are being used to construct HS2. And whilst it is said that the refurbishment of Boris’ flat is being done by donations? doesn’t it seem a little pretentious, irresponsible and uncaring when so many are having to do with so much less. Then how many millions are being used to refurbish ‘no 9. Downing Street’ Rather sounds like a film title. Have I wandered onto the right set. Is this the real world or a sequence of Love Island I ask myself. When will Boris shout out, “I’m a celebrity get me out of here”.

Tim.
3 years ago

Please stop building houses on any available plot of land in lichfield.
You already have fradley joining lichfield,friary meadow new development on Birmingham Road,it is just getting beyond a joke,go away and build them somewhere else if you really must.

Revs33
3 years ago

It won’t stop the inevitable and the encroachment of new housing estates. Those members of the planning committee who nod through large scale developments should be challenged at the forthcoming local elections on their motives for doing so. This is a big issue for Lichfield and as voters we are entitled to understand why councillors have voted for these developments often in opposition to the people they represent.

Jane Fletcher
3 years ago

Why, are u planning to ruin lichfield with a huge, unnecessary housing estate and eyesore warehouses? I spend half my year in lichfield. One of the most unique and beautiful places left in middle England. Rugby, my home town ruined over the years by housing estates and especially warehouses. It doesn’t stop. Just perpetuates more eyesore buildings. Dont, lichfield councillors make same mistake. And, yes, was considering moving to lichfield. Thinking again.

Phil.
3 years ago

Jane, two homes?????

Megan
3 years ago

“@Jane Fletcher Lichfield is a beautiful place and historically so interesting. It is also close to many places of interest to visit. Lovely people here too. I and many others agree with you about the planning. I think the Planning Dept. took a wrong turn sometime back. Many are unhappy with some of the planning decisions and are voicing their opinions about it. It is because we care. We keep on keeping on. It’s good that you have added your voice, as a prospective incomer. I’m sure you will be welcomed. I hope LDC are listening.

Chris Hamilton
2 years ago

Lichfield is Jewel in the Crown for Staffs, hopefully for generations to come.

Please think about your actions now and in 20 years when are children grow up in an overspill of development with little or no green space left

Have some conviction LDC and start thinking about the future and not the purse