Plans to extend shop in Lichfield shopping centre approved
Plans to extend a shop in Lichfield City Centre have been approved by councillors at Lichfield District Council. It is proposed that the shop in the Three Spires Shopping Centre be extended to improve the look of the building for the new cinema and dining complex.
The unit, on Bakers Lane, is currently vacant and would allow Costa to relocate to the unit and would provide an outdoor seating area. No statutory consultee objected to the plans and planning officers recommended approval.
An external seating area is planned for the area which would extend 3.6 metres beyond the side extension, creating a dedicated area of around 68 square metres for external seating, enclosed by a glazed balustrade. The extension would also increase the ground floor trading area of the unit.
It is hoped that the work will be completed by the time the new cinema opens. It is currently projected that the works, including the public realm works will be completed by Spring 2026.
Commenting on the planning statement by Savills which claimed the building was ‘completely unremarkable building and not of high quality design’, Councillor Thomas Marshall said: “I think I’d agree with that, I think we’d all agree with that. It’s probably 1960/1970s, probably brutalist to a point, like a lot of the precinct.
“It goes on to say that it will contribute to the street scene quite considerably and I think that’s very true. I think this application has a lot to recommend it because it’s going to give a much better appearance to a building as Savills have pointed out, quite unremarkable.
“At least it will give it some status within the street scene and something that will enhance the local area to a degree.”
