A NEW approach is needed to manage increased housing targets, a senior councillor has said.
Lichfield District Council has seen the Government target number for new homes rise from 289 a year to 746 – an increase of 158%.
The local authority’s Conservative cabinet has set out what it calls a “new approach” to tackling housing requirements which would also see the new Local Plan pushed back 2027 to 2029.
The document outlines where development will take place over the coming years in order to meet the Government’s targets.
Cllr Alex Farrell, cabinet member for housing and the Local Plan, said the change would give the council more time to strengthen evidence needed around infrastructure, transport and viability in order to support the delivery of new settlements rather than urban sprawl in existing communities.
He added:
“We know how important it is to plan properly for the future of our district.
“The Government has significantly increased our housing targets, so we need to take a different approach to growth which protects existing communities and ensures we control where development goes locally.
“Residents have told us loud and clear that they would prefer us to build new settlements, rather than relying only on expanding existing towns and villages, making sure housing is in the right places and supported by the infrastructure communities need.
“This is about standing up for Lichfield district and getting the plan right so we can manage growth properly and protect what matters most to our communities – our approach must reflect local priorities, not just national targets.”
The council said residents, businesses and other stakeholders would have opportunities to shape the Local Plan as it develops, with further consultation planned later this year.
