The Dean of Lichfield Cathedral has rejected suggestions the impact of a new development on the historic building should prevent it from going ahead.
A report to a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s planning committee has recommended councillors refuse plans to build new homes and a boutique hotel on land around the Angel Croft Hotel.
As well as overdevelopment, the report also cited the position within the conservation area and the impact on nearby historic sites, including the cathedral.
But The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, said planning officials needed to think about the bigger picture.
“Who has written the report and what criteria guided their judgement?
“Who were they listening to? The cathedral wasn’t officially asked for a view and had we been consulted we’d have said we welcome it.
“We’ve got architectural monotony in Lichfield – red brick, glass and grey steel. Socially too, having us become the retirement capital of England is disastrous.
“Planners need to wake up and think new thoughts.”
The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral
The report is not binding but will be used as part of the decision-making process when the planning committee meets next week.
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said there would be “a good debate” before a final call is made on whether to approve or reject the scheme.
“I’ve never known a development to have such widespread support locally.
“The decision is the planning committee’s to make, not mine, but I don’t doubt they will have a good debate on the merits of this application.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
The planning committee will meet to debate the proposals on Wednesday (26th January).
God has spoken (or at least one his reps has).
So hopefully LDC will listen to Him as they don’t take any notice of what the public says.
Having enjoyed living in the City for the last five decades to grant the proposed fantastic development of style and quality to be built to improve the site in the City Centre would show our Planning Department are making the right decision in the interest of our City.
This is the most brilliant statement that sums up most of how Lichfield feels towards planning. It’s made me giggle that it had to come from a Dean of the cathedral.
The ‘town’ and ‘gown’ have always been two distinctive parts of Lichfield. By common consent both have avoided interference in each other’s affairs.
The Dean should be careful not to disturb this relationship. Lichfield Planning are always looking for brownfield sites with underused buildings.
I think this development would be an asset to the City. Surely this area is in much need of development and from what I have seen I would have been very welcomed.
I have to say, I think the Dean has hit the nail on the head and perfectly summed up the feeling of the residents of Lichfield. Can he run for the leadership of LDC and replace clueless Pullen and Eadie? He’s absolutely spot on.
All in favour of this new development and area needs to be addressed.
“Socially too, having us become the retirement capital of England is disastrous.”
An interesting comment from the Dean. Currently, we have a bit of a free-for-all in terms of developers being allowed to discriminate against younger buyers. Time the discrimination stopped.
The Dean is spot on. Wake up LDC. The very idea that this proposal is denied planning and is left sit derelict for many more years is ridiculous. It’s almost on a par with the farce that is Friars Gate, the lack of decent road infrastructure to support the huge new Streethay development or the Retirement Home monstrosity on the old Job Centre site. Wake up and show some intelligence.
I would vote for this development – much better than what is there now.
Dean Adrian is 100% correct “Think new thoughts” applies to all in LDC
Well said! More and more retirement properties are being built, as they are cash cows for developers and the council. Meanwhile shops can’t afford to stay in the city centre as can be seen from the empty units, and like all other ‘cities’ we are forcing shoppers to drive to retail parks. Try being a bit different and have some diversity please LDC.
Great to read that such an important local group has also weighed in with their support.
For the church to comment on a development really shows the crazy result of the planners report.
I cannot remember ever seeing such a good development planning application in Lichfield as this one. Let’s hope the council does the right thing.
We are totally in agreement with this development going ahead. It will enhance Beacon street and benefit both Beacon Park and the Cathedral. The Dean is completely correct.