A SENIOR councillor has raised concerns over the potential impact on vital green belt land following recent changes to national planning policy.
As part of the Government’s push to build 1.5 million new homes a number of changes to planning policy have been made, including the reintroduction of mandatory housing targets.
For Lichfield the figure has increased to 745 new houses every year, compared to 289 previously.
The green belt currently encompasses 46% of the district, but the introduction of grey belt – land which has previously been developed or does not make a significant contribution to the green belt – could mean more of it is built on.
Cllr Richard Cox, cabinet member for community engagement at Lichfield District Council, has urged the local authority to reject the idea of using such land going forward. He also criticised the reintroduction of mandatory housing targets, calling them unrealistic for the district.
He said:
“I’m still very concerned in a sense about these arbitrary figures that we’re getting for more houses than we can possibly deal with unless there is a blanket release of green belt.
“I’m concerned about the green belt – it is very important to stop that urban sprawl.
“I dislike the terminology of grey belt. If we’re not careful and we accept grey belt then we will erode our own green belt that we have.”
Yet another hypocritical comment from a LDC Councillor. You weren’t the slightest bit concerned taking away Stychbrooke Park which magically disappeared as green belt /designated parkland, the same as many other green areas and walkways around the residential areas. You allow planning permission for your own vanity projects despite negative social and environmental impact but never listen to residents concerns.
Bit late for our Green Belt ? It’s gone already if he hadn’t noticed!!!
Did you also object to Roman Heights Cricket Lane etc etc even larger developments when the Cons had a council majority?
Is this guy taking the mick? He wants to talk about green belt now? Embarrassing.
Lichfield is being choked to death and after Cricket Lane is finished.
This councillors comments beggar belief. What sort of fools does he take the residents of Lichfield for? He now decides to speak out over the loss of green fields. Why didn’t he speak up about the loss of green fields to huge housing developments in Lichfield, Fradley, Streethay, Birmingham Road to name but a few? Oh yes….of course…..May 1st!
How many new houses have that ditch outside to catch flood water. Never buy a house where water sits, never buy a house that’s not elevated.