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# Warning "unintended consequence" of planning changes could see popular developments blocked
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/warning-unintended-consequence-of-planning-changes-could-see-popular-developments-blocked/
- Published: 2026-10-13T06:52:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T06:52:30.000Z
- Description: Leader of Lichfield District Council cites Angel Croft scheme in letter to local MP.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, News, Planning

THE leader of Lichfield District Council has warned of an "unintended consequence" of new national planning changes.

Next month will see the Government amend the system to restrict which types of applications can be called in for consideration by councillors.

The move has already [drawn criticism from members of Staffordshire County Council](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/leader-of-staffordshire-county-will-seek-to-recover-local-government-reorganisation-costs-if-changes-dont-go-ahead/) over concerns it will take power away from local decision makers to prevent schemes from going ahead.

[ ](#) 

But now Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, has warned the changes could also halt transformative developments which would otherwise be blocked.

In a letter to Lichfield MP Dave Robertson, he said:

> "Lichfield is already under enormous pressure from changes to the planning system. The near trebling of our housing target immediately opened the door to speculative developments across the district, while surrounding cities and towns with significant brownfield opportunities have seen their targets substantially reduced.  
>  
> "Against this backdrop, we have worked hard to establish a local Design Code, ensuring that future development is of the highest quality and commands the support of the communities it affects.  
>  
> "The much-lauded Angel Croft development in Lichfield is a brilliant example of why this matters. Despite being recommended for refusal by planning officers, the scheme was called in by Cllr Andy Smith with elected councillors ultimately approving it.  
>  
> "Today, it stands as an example of the quality of development we should be encouraging.  
>  
> "Under the new arrangements, ward councillors will lose their existing ability to call applications before planning committee. I am concerned that, had these rules been in place at the time, Angel Croft might never have been approved."

Cllr Pullen said he hoped Mr Robertson would lobby to support an amendment to ensure ward councillors could retain the right to call in applications where there is "demonstrable community support but officers are recommending refusal".

He added:

> "Whatever our wider differences on planning policy, I hope we can agree that local communities should retain a meaningful voice in securing good-quality development."

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