In a flap over Bird st plans

Fresh Space Developments Ltd is appealing over Lichfield District Council's decision - in relation to three planning applications concerning 26 and 28 Bird Street - to the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Despite council officers recommending each application for approval, subject to conditions, councillors refused them at a planning committee meeting in August.

The first application was for a mixed-use development comprising restoration and repair of 26/28 Bird Street.

The second application was for listed building consent - 26 Bird Street is grade two listed - and the third related to demolition of outbuildings at the back.

At the August meeting district councillors were told their colleagues at Lichfield City Council had already recommended refusal on the grounds of over development.

And after consideration district councillors went against their own officers advice of recommendation, and refused the plans.

The appeal will now be considered by the Secretary of State's office.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Chairman of the Planning Committee at Lichfield District Council, said: "The appeal is to be heard by a Public Inquiry sometime in the New Year."

l In a completely separate development on Bird Street, by Lichfield-based Pergola Properties Ltd, work is now well underway on a new apartment complex which will overlook Minster Pool.

Pergola Properties has invested an undisclosed amount of money into the project, which will include 12 apartments, a ground-floor restaurant and two retail units.

Completion work on the scheme is due next spring.

By Faye Casey