230 homes planned for Lichfield village with more details added from developers as 85 objections are raised

Earlier this month councillors deferred the plans which would have seen 230 new homes built in Fradley in Lichfield.

The committee wanted more details on a number of aspects of the application, including healthcare, highways and a proposed community facility. Now the applicant Bloor Homes have provided more information.

The proposed development for land east of Fradley Lane is set for determination next week on Monday, November 24. The outline application is only set to rule on the principle of development and access.

There have been 85 comments submitted to planning officers over the application, all objecting. Additionally a petition has attracted 1,086 signatures all raising concerns over the character of the village being lost, increased strain on local resources and traffic noise. Since the last committee meeting there have been no further public comments.

No statutory consultees objected to the proposal apart from Fradley Parish Council. They raised concerns over the lack of information on the proposed community building, the lack of facilities in the village for new residents and highway safety.

One of the issues raised at the last committee meeting was in relation to healthcare and the fact Fradley does not have a GP or healthcare facility. Discussions took place with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) on whether the new community facility could be used as a satellite facility.

This is because residents need to travel into Lichfield or Alrewas to access healthcare. However the ICB determined that the existing Alrewas site has room for ‘incremental growth’ and the developer is set to make a financial contribution of £206,211 to support future expansion.

There was also concern raised by councillors over the community centre and the benefits not being felt and the impact it would have due to there already being a village hall and youth centre in the area. However the use for the community centre is being kept ‘flexible’ as to not compete with existing community assets.

In recommending approval of the application planning officers state: “The proposed development would see up to 230 dwellings delivered on a site which is not in the Green Belt, and which is considered to be in a sustainable location. The council are unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

“As such, the delivery of housing should be afforded very significant positive weight in the planning balance. The recommended conditions with regard to implementation timescales would secure the start of works within the five-year period.

The applicant has worked positively and proactively with the council, Staffordshire County Council, and other consultees/stakeholders to demonstrate that the site is technically suitable and that any potential negative impacts could be satisfactorily mitigated either at detailed design stage, or by way of appropriately worded planning condition.“