PLANS for the redevelopment of the Birmingham Road Site in Lichfield have been branded “unimaginative” by the Liberal Democrats.
The land is finally set to be brought back into use after standing empty since the failed Friarsgate project.
But with homes now set to be built on the site of the former Tempest Ford garage and bus station, questions have been raised over the suitability of the scheme.
Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Lichfield District Council, said the proposals would not achieve the original aims of the redevelopment.
“The plans for the Birmingham Road Site opposite Lichfield City Station are simply just not right for Lichfield.
“They are so unimaginative. They create just big blocks of housing in the centre of our beautiful city – they look like LEGO.
“The plans also involve just too many homes on this site. The original plan was that there would be open space where people can meet, have a coffee and relax. That has been replaced with another block of housing.
“The original objective was to make this development a place of impact and style as it is a gateway into the city. These plans just do not achieve that.”
Cllr Ray said his group would continue to oppose the proposals.
“The Conservatives and Labour support these plans, but as Lib Dem councillors we do not.
“We can do so much better with the Birmingham Road Site.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said the plans for the land had been drawn up as part of a wider project.
He said:
“Thousands of residents fed into the design code for this site, with the overwhelming preference being for. blend of Georgian architectural stules which reflects Lichfield’s rich history.
“The plans for the CB Collier site, drawn up by local architects BHB, reflect this design code.
“Along with a linear park, a cinema and office space, it will finally bring this gateway site to life.”
Where are the buses going, at some times of day a dozen buses can be in the bus station
I am not a Lib Dem supporter but in this case they are correct. The site should be more imaginative in design & function suitable for everyone
Where’s the parking? Where’s the bus station? There’s only one bus in this picture, but you will often see six or more buses and coaches (I’ve seen as many as 12) at any one time in the current bus station. There are only four cars on the road and maybe two parked (unclear). That does not represent any kind of reality. The small car park that currently exists near the Garrick is always completely full. This is not just unimaginative, it is going to damage remaining businesses in Lichfield.
Might I suggest developing the site of the existing bus station into a new bus station + multi-storey car park, rather than more flats for greedy developers.
And the bus station, that thousands use, is floating in the air!?
More expensive senior citizens apartments ? Lichfield is well named ” Field of the dead in Latin ? ” Shame for our youngsters ?
What’s happening to the cinema, does not seem much going on at present
I appreciate that Grumpy Old man is being humorous with his “Field of the Dead” comment.
Infernus might be a Latin translation as might Ager Mortuorum.
The road to Hell is less likely to be paved with good intentions and more likely to be paved with Lichfield potholes.
I think the bus station should stay where it is. It’s much further to get to the shops for an older person if it is moved across the road.
It is Georgian design, no cars about then, so no car parks, but we are in the 21st century now, so where does everyone park at these flats, how many flats will there be.
Everyone was right, will all be flats
Has any actual thought gone into this? Where is the bus station going to be?
How many more times does Pullen and the other deadbeats of LDC need to be reminded by ordinary, everyday people of all backgrounds that the bus station is perfectly fine where it is as its been the case for many, many years? The same clowns got it horribly wrong with the demolition of the multi storey carpark and now they are trying to better their incompetence with this barmy scheme!
Where are cars going to park? LDC have got rid of the multi storey carpark already, no replacement planned, and these plans now show that another two car parks will go. Where’s the bus station going? It’s not a good idea to move the bus station further away from the centre.
People will stop using the city centre facilities ie new cinema, shops, churches , restaurants etc if there’s no where to park.
Pull the other one DP !
This development does nothing in creating a welcoming, peaceful area creating a multi-purpose space for all. Where is the bus station? So much for public transport integration. Also, lack of parking for the new development will only cause further issues for an already choked centre. Surely we can do better!
It’s more than “unimaginative” I’d say disaster !!
We’ve already lost the multi storey carpark and now the frog lane car park is going to built on , and just as we are finally having a cinema,as someone who uses the Garrick theatre as much as finances allow , I just won’t bother, it’s a nightmare trying to park at back of B&M or the friary car park , the multistorey was so convenient as is the frog lane car park , especially in winter.
And as for the bus station, well I can’t imagine where they are going to try and squeeze that in , perhaps they think we haven’t noticed it’s disappeared.
Makes no sense , more housing is not what we need , especially in this already congested and busy area.
It won’t be a “Gateway to Lichfield” it will be a road to hell !
Anyone notice they are 3 & 4 storey buildings and there appears to be no shops ? Dreadful design purely done to fit as many as possible dwellings in. In fact they are more like army barracks.
No doubt Lichfield Council will love them to bits, it needs Friel Homes to design the layout based on the sites historic location.
Now I’m no expert on the machinations of local government, big development business and planning departments but I’m pretty sure they all have what they wanted out of this. I wonder what the common denominator is in all these uninspiring decisions?
Ha ha, these comments sections are hilarious at times. Everyone is so damn miserable and negative.
I often wonder why folk live in lichfield if its so bad. Or do they just enjoy moaning about everyone else and putting everything down.
They could, of course, put them self up for election and try to right the so many wrongs everyone else seems to do. But alas, I fear they won’t.
Well done DP and LDC for making something happen. And well done for persisting and working hard in the face of such negativity. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but its a good effort and should be applauded.
Let’s face it, if the last attempt at friasgste had gone through it would have only collapsed in the face of covid. Giving those negative folk more to moan about and a half built eyesore. Lichfield dodged a bullet there….
I’m excited for this development and welcome its addition to our wonderful little town!