> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Report recommends approval for controversial housing development in Burntwood - URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/report-recommends-approval-for-controversial-housing-development-in-burntwood/ - Published: 2026-07-13T16:07:41.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-13T16:07:41.000Z - Description: Officers say petition signed by more than 2,370 people should not be a planning consideration - Author: Jonathan Sutton, Local Democracy Reporter - Tags: Planning, News, Burntwood CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 250 homes in Burntwood looks set to get the green light despite "significant" objections. The proposed houses are set to be constructed on green belt land at Coulter Lane Farm. The scheme would see the demolition of 59 Church Road and associated buildings to make way for the development. It is planned that access will come from a priority T-junction from Church Road. The development would contain 43% affordable housing, with properties on the site ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached houses. Alongside the new houses new cycle and pedestrian routes are planned, with improved landscape features. Allotments are proposed for both new and existing residents and play areas will also feature. The site is located within the green belt, however, the land has been assessed by planning officers, who have concluded that the land can be considered as grey belt. They also conclude there is an unmet housing need, the site is in a sustainable location and the proposal complies with national planning policy. Lichfield District Council is unable to demonstrate a five year housing land supply, meaning there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Burntwood Town Council has objected to the plans, stating that there have been numerous developments in the area but no infrastructure improvements in the form of doctors, dentists and schools. The local flood authority at Staffordshire County Council have also recommended that permission is not granted as the drainage strategy does not meet best practice and national standards. A petition signed by 2,372 residents was submitted to the council – but as the it did not contain full names, addresses and a local postcode, planning officers have ruled that the petition should not be a planning consideration. Planning officers have recommended that the plans be approved. They state: > "The council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land and therefore relevant Local Plan housing land allocations and supply policies are not up to date. > > "While the site falls within designated green belt, the proposal would not be inappropriate development and therefore the green belt is not a strong reason for refusing the proposed development. > > "The provision of 250 market and affordable homes therefore carries substantial weight in the planning balance. > > "Moderate weight is also attached to the direct benefits from the construction phase and secondary economic benefits from the spend of occupants of the development which would assist the wider economy in the short and long term. > > "The impact of the development on landscape character and visual amenity can be appropriately mitigated through landscaping and the retention of existing hedges and trees. > > "A compliant drainage scheme and delivery of a site with resilience to flood risk is achievable and has been demonstrated. > > "The proposal would have an acceptable effect on highway safety and capacity. There would be large areas of open space and allotments accessible to the public. These factors carry moderate weight in the planning balance." The planning committee is set to meet on Monday (20th July) to decide on the application.