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# Labour group leader concerned at move to delay Local Plan
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/labour-group-leader-concerned-at-move-to-delay-local-plan/
- Published: 2026-05-19T15:29:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-19T15:29:37.000Z
- Description: The leader of Lichfield District Council’s Labour group says the local authority is “kicking the can down the road” on its Local Plan – and warned it could result in decisions on where to build new houses being taken elsewhere.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:11, News

THE leader of Lichfield District Council’s opposition Labour group says the local authority is “kicking the can down the road” on its Local Plan – and warned it could result in decisions on where to build new houses being taken elsewhere.

Cllr Russ Bragger has called in the decision that the cabinet meeting made last week to abandon switch to a new 30-month process.

The move [was outlined by Cllr Alex Farrell](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/cabinet-member-says-new-approach-is-needed-to-meet-housing-requirements-across-lichfield-and-burntwood/), cabinet member for housing and the Local Plan, who said the move would allow evidence to be gathered to support efforts for a new settlement approach.

It comes after Lichfield District Council saw the Government target number for new homes rise from 289 a year to 746 – an increase of 158%.

But Cllr Bragger said he had concerns over the impact of making the change from the previous system.

> “The Local Plan is crucial for Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages – it sets rules for where new developments and houses can be built.  
>  
> “The district needs new housing, particularly social housing, for our residents but it must happen in the right places.  
>  
> “A Local Plan could identify new settlements so that new housing isn’t just expanding Lichfield or Burntwood. We’re very disappointed that the cabinet has made a decision to not decide.”

Cllr Bragger said the move would open the door for developers

He added:

> “It’s not just about delay. The rules are that if the council doesn’t have a compliant Local Plan, the planning committee might be constrained by what development it can refuse.  
>  
> “In other words, it could be developers with the upper hand in deciding where new houses are built. You can guess how that will turn out.  
>  
> “The council must reconsider this failure to act – and we have to get on with signing off on a plan that delivers for local people with a local voice.”