PEOPLE are being asked for their views on where new homes should be built in the local area over the next 20 years
Lichfield District Council is drawing up a new Local Plan which will include details on where future construction should take place.
The local authority hopes to hear from at least 10,000 residents so it can begin to shape the vision for the future until 2043.
Earlier this year, a “call for sites” identified potential locations, with around 140 possible sites identified.
The response from developers include a 3,000 home site at Packington and 1,500 properties on the Whitemoor plot in Alrewas, while other possible projects could include 5,000 properties off the A38 at Brookhay, 2,500 homes near Pipe Hill, 1,400 properties in Shenstone and 1,000 homes off Hospital Road in Burntwood.
Although a full consultation is due next year, the council said it hoped to get early feedback through the new survey.
Councillor Alex Farrell, cabinet member for housing and the Local Plan, said:
“The views of local people are vital. To achieve a balance between development needs and preserving the essence of Lichfield district, we need insights.
“We urge all residents to engage with us – we’re listening, and your ideas will
guide the path forward.”
Cllr Farrell has previously spoken of a preference for a new settlement to meet housing needs rather than ongoing urban sprawl.
As well as new homes, the survey will also seek views on where employment opportunities should be located, infrastructure improvements that are needed and features or areas which should be protected.
The can be completed online, where details of local in-person consultation events can also be found.
So, rapacious developers are already suggesting another 14,400 houses in the Lichfield area, presumably because they know that our councillors are a soft touch, despite their protestations to the contrary, We don’t appear to have any councillors who really want to limit the vast urban sprawl that Lichfield is fast becoming. No councillors who seem to be concerned enough about quality developments that serve the existing and incoming residents with facilities and services that actually enhance the area and lives of residents. No councillors that are prepared to listen to and argue for the views of residents or, heaven forfend, actually vote against some of these awful developments. Yes, there is a need for houses in the area. Yes, there is a genuine need for much more genuine and actual social housing in the area. Yes, there is a crying need for councillors who will care for and act in the best interests of the area and its residents instead of pandering to wealthy, powerful developers.
Another waste of time for the residents the council do what they always do regardless of our opinions or thoughts ? This is just another tick box for the council and nothing more, we know that and so do they.
Why? Why are our councillors so determined to see Lichfield’s green spaces disappear under concrete?
Tell us. We are adults and will understand if we are told
The arrogance and secrecy leave a bitter taste.
Money money money it means a lot we do need homes for people
“The views of local people are vital”…..“We urge all residents to engage with us – we’re listening, and your ideas will guide the path forward.”……….Haven’t bothered listening to us residents yet. Clearly a straight copy, cut and paste from the politicians book of ‘The Public And How To Pull The Wool Over Their Eyes’ !
Well here’s an idea to start with (I have many). A preservation area of half a mile radius from the market square. No new houses, no new care homes, no more flats or buildings of multiple occupation within that area.
Elsewhere development on a proportionat and locally agreed basis.
Infrastructure and services as a top priority. The realisation that heritage is Lichfield.
Well I can dream I suppose!
Is it compulsary that the council ask for our opinions prior to doing what they like anyway. You know what is needed for Lichfield before the final blades of grass are concreted over with Flats, homes that no one can afford, care homes etc WE NEED DOCTORS, HOSPITALS more that any other homes. This will be my final moan as I am sick and tired of LIchfield and will be moving away just as quickly as I can.