ONE of the oldest pubs in Lichfield has reapplied for planning permission after the council refused earlier plans and took enforcement action.
The Duke of York on Greenhill has applied to regularise the existing car park following its conversion from a bowling green.
The Grade II listed public house first opened in 1644, with parts of the building dating back to the English Civil War.
The bowling green was converted into a car park in 2021, however, it was in active use until 2020.
Last year an application was lodged, retrospectively, to approve the conversion, but was refused by Lichfield District Council.
The local authority refused the application due to the loss of the former bowling green, the lack of consideration for protected trees in the site and the potential ecological impact of the development.
The latest application states that within a 2km area there are three bowling clubs operational and 13 clubs in the wider district, meaning the green is no longer required.
Membership data from four clubs shows a reduction from 288 members in 2020 to 276. It is also reported that many are currently operating with spare capacity.
A planning statement adds:
“It is considered that there is no additional demand that is not already being met by the existing clubs within the area.
“The green at the Duke of York has been closed since 2020 and is therefore considered to be surplus to requirements.”
A tree survey was conducted in October 2025 which found none have been removed from the site in the past four years and that existing ones have not been adversely affected.
The statement concludes:
“The previous refusal of planning permission was principally based on the perceived unjustified loss of a community sports facility, together with a lack of arboricultural and ecological evidence.
“This resubmitted application has directly addressed each of those concerns through the provision of locally specific evidence, proportionate assessments and up-to-date supporting information.
“Importantly, the proposal delivers clear public benefits. The retention and enhancement of parking provision directly supports the long-term viability of one of Lichfield’s oldest public houses, safeguarding local employment, supporting the evening economy and reinforcing the role of the city centre as a destination for residents and visitors.”
