TIME is running out for residents to comment on controversial plans for up to 220 homes on land at Rake Hill in Burntwood.
The proposal by developer Anwyl Land would involve demolishing existing buildings, delivering new public open space and affordable housing.
As part of the application, several improvements are set to be made, including the installation of a footpath on the southern side of Meg Lane as part of access plans.
It is also proposed that the junction between Ogley Hay Road and Meg Lane be reconfigured to improve traffic flow.
But the application has received more than 100 objections from residents who raised concerns over highways impact, development in the green belt and the loss of residential amenity.
Additionally, the proposals have received several objections from the Burntwood Action Group.
Resident Myra Chislaghi said:
"Please don’t allow this development to permanently destroy our green belt.
"I moved here from the United States 20 years ago. There are many things I love about England, but the two I mention to my US friends the most are the green belt and the right to roam, neither of which exist in the US.
"Please don’t allow unfettered development to destroy our beautiful countryside. Once it’s gone we’ll never get it back."
Also objecting to the development, Keith Mitchell said:
"Coming out of Meg Lane onto Ogley Hay Road has always been very difficult to do.
"There have been numerous near misses of cars pulling out of Meg Lane while motorists are coming up Ogley Hay Road.
"The junction itself has the entrance and exit for the Foresters Tavern, and the driveways of residents of Ogley Hay Road directly opposite which will add to the danger that the vehicles for 225 new homes will bring."
The scheme will deliver 43% of the housing to be classified as affordable, which is above the required 28%. The developers also state that the project could be completed within five years of permission being granted.
Althought the site is located within the green belt, planning documents argue that the site should be classed as grey belt. This is because the development would not undermine or harm the purposes of the green belt.
A planning statement submitted with the application states:
"The proposed development has been shaped by a strong set of design principles that establish a truly landscape-led approach.
"The masterplan is firmly rooted in the site’s distinctive landscape and topography, ensuring the development both respects and responds to its natural assets and wider context.
"Key features of this approach include keeping the eastern extent of the site free from development to preserve the setting of the Grade II listed 32 and 34 Rake Hill, and designing sensitively in relation to neighbouring residential properties to the south and west.
"The development embraces the green belt as a defining landscape framework, focusing built form where it can be naturally contained while creating substantial green and blue spaces that enhance openness, biodiversity and everyday access to nature.
"A sensitive, landscape led 'grey belt' approach reinforces the settlement edge, protects key views and heritage settings and delivers meaningful biodiversity net gain, ensuring the wider green belt continues to perform its essential functions as part of a distinctive, nature rich new neighbourhood."
Reidents have until 13th July to comment on the proposals ahead of a final decision on the development. For more details, visit Lichfield District Council's planning website.
