RETROSPECTIVE planning permission has been granted for a Lichfield pub to use a former bowling green as a car park.
The Duke of York, on Greenhill, had previously been told the changes could not remain due to it not being able to be demonstrated that the facility was "surplus to requirements" in the local bowls community.
But the latest application came after a Playing Pitch Strategy document said that no local clubs were reporting capacity issues and that it was considered there was "a sufficient supply" of bowling greens in the district.
A planning statement said:
"The works to lay hardstanding and mark out parking bays were carried out in March 2021 without the benefit of planning permission, and the site is currently in use as an extension to the Duke of York’s existing car park.
"The application follows enforcement action taken by the Council following complaints received and an enforcement investigation. The proposal seeks to regularise the unauthorised use."
The statement added that the green had been out of use since 2020 – and that membership of three local clubs had been shown to have declined since 2020.
"It was also identified with the loss of the Duke of York green there has been no increase in demand.
"The conclusions of the Lichfield District Council Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy concludes none of the responding clubs within Lichfield district state that there are capacity issues at their respective sites or that they are unable to take on new members.
"As such, no latent or unmet demand has been uncovered."
Full details can be found on Lichfield District Council's planning website.
