PLANS to build 520 homes in Lichfield have been given the green light after a reserved matters application was approved.
The properties are set to be constructed at Cricket Lane, with 35% affordable housing.
While the principle of development on the site had already been established, details relating to the layout, appearance, scale and landscaping were discussed by councillors.
The estate will have two distinct areas – village and traditional. Housing in the village element would be located more of the peripheries of the site, with the traditional style more prominent.
Application agent Olivia Morris told councillors:
“A fundamental part of our scheme design has been to ensure that the development forms an integral part of the community for both existing and new residents.
“Pedestrian and cycle routes are integrated across the site as well as providing linkages to the existing canal towpath, Cricket Lane and on to London Road.
“A comprehensive landscaping strategy ensures the ecological mitigation and enhancement of the site and in turn results in a biodiversity net gain.”
The agent said that that development would bring a number of benefits to the community including two play areas, two under 12 football pitches with a sports pavilion and a bus route with two new stops.
Councillors at Lichfield District Council unanimously approved the development despite some councillors on the planning committee raising concerns over the number of parking spaces provided at the sports pitches.
Currently only 20 parking spaces are provided. However, planning committee members were told that the number of spaces was determined by the Section 106 agreement and when the outline application was approved. At the time, the council did not have a policy on the number of parking spaces for sports pitches in the Local Plan.
I find it disturbing that the council consistently pass these proposals unanimously. Really! In spite of the many, many concerns from citizens and organisations not one of them, even the ward councillors of those areas, passed on any misgivings. Is this representation?
Are they so gullible that they think the development will look anything like the artists impression above? Are they so gullible that they cannot assess the impacts so extensively expressed about these developments?
The council have a responsibility to this city. Its people. Its heritage. In a single generation they have reduced it to a shadow of its former self. There’s a thought to take with them for the rest of their lives.
Lastly, their voting might be as a concept of collective responsibility. Like they have in communist countries.
@Philip – they have never listened and never will. Over 400 residents told them we didn’t want Stychbrook Park (green belt parkland) destroyed with a leisure centre in the middle of a residential area but not a single Cllr listened or spoke with residents about our concerns. They just pander to Friends of Friary Grange and others. This week the diggers moved in and are ‘Pullen’ it to pieces. Green parkland ruined forever. They talk about protecting green spaces but do the opposite on anything just like Friarsgate and others; the list is endless. They should be ashamed of themselves and all be removed. We need an independent group working for the good of the city and residents able to have their say through decisive local referendums. That would be true local democracy.
Makes me laugh the cycle lanes and bus stops etc, 520 houses will mean at least 520 more cars jamming our already congested roads…..people don’t walk or cycle in any number to make a difference. As always no doctors or dentists just the normal play area.
Funny you watch the news and elsewhere within the country plans get refused yet Lichfield is green ticked every time.
Usual cowardly submission by LDC, they won’t rest until all open space is built on in Lichfield ”the usual diversionary tactics” with the spiel of cycle routes and green spaces which is I believe is there now without this further dense & ugly development
shame on you yet again LDC, I hope your satisfied with the legacy you are bestowing on our beautiful city….more open spaces abused and no doubt further revenue.
same again for the city centre Birmingham Toad and Curborough….Lichfield is at breaking point with no appropriate infrastructure to support all this development.
So what about secondary schools, the new Streethay development the kids can’t even get into a Lichfield secondary school and have to go to Tamworth ??
520 new houses will probably mean over 520 extra cars, with probably over a thousand extra residents and probably a couple of hundred extra children. So what are the council doing in relation to the extra doctors, dentists and schools to handle all this additional increase in population?
Worrying about twenty car parking spaces next to a football pitch! Just about sums up this council.
Just when everyone thought that things cannot get worse, well they just have and this is not the end of it folks with these truly awful inept people in charge of the major decisions. The overpopulationism of Lichfield/ surrounding areas with the inevitable increase in traffic, pollution and chaos and destruction of fields, wildlife ,character and tranquility of the countryside will go on and on. There needs to be a drastic change at the top but I fear the damage is already done!
Affordable housing? Have they given the council a price? Exact, rough guide or is the word affordable. Just waiting for the developer to change the layout to fit more properties on the plot.
We need more houses people need homes who would like to sleep in a field
No mention of traffic adjustments and road planning to accommodate such number of expected care to each dwelling. A ROADS not good enough to excisting traffic in and out of lichfield to A38
No doctors, dentists or schools then
This is the last thing lichfield needs
Why not,every other possible spare blade of grass has been built on,then your mission to completely change Lichfield for the worst is getting one step closer,- well done.
I , for the first time really feel like i need to plan to move, not just out of Lichfield but, UK .
Lichfield is getting ridiculous for Doctors, Dentists and surely, as others have said Schools . The roads are awful (potholes) along Weston Rd ,amongst others , i avoid it !
The whole City is becomming a mess
and not the once lovely place i chose to live 40yrs ago but other half who has lived their entire life !
Having lived in lichfield for 25 years we made the decision 2 years ago to leave due to the constant issues with over developing. Lack of decent doctors and paying a premium for it. Best decision we made great health care and better standard of living with more ££ left over .
Is this development to run along side the proposed industrial units and care home on this cricket lane land ?
Please stop. The decline in Lichfield has become so disheartening and we haven’t been given any choice.
The power is with the developers. We experienced this when an area called Springhill, a waterlogged field, was earmarked for development (not LDC). The arguments at the planning meeting seemed to go against the development, but the vote went for it. Talking to our local councillors after the meeting it was explained if council does not pass their plans the council leaves itself open to a lengthy, expensive courtcase. Makes the whole process a sham. The only course of action for the council is to make life difficult for the developers, i.e. parking spaces at sports ground. The same thing is happening all over the country.
However much people say this is bad we need more homes and more people contributing to the economy in Lichfield. As a local business owner this is great news. Keep it coming I say
RIP: Lichfield