Councillor hits back at claims 850 homes will be built on green belt
A leading councillor in Staffordshire has hit back at claims that green belt in Burntwood could be swallowed up under plans to build hundreds of homes in the town.
Councillor Iain Eadie, of Lichfield District Council, said that the suggestion that 850 new homes could be built on green belt land was "incorrect".
He said the local plan for the area showed a need for 400 new homes in Burntwood instead – and that 438 houses have already been allocated.
He also added that land off Coulter Lane, which residents have described as "treasured" green belt, is safeguarded and would not be granted planning permission for any development.
Neighbours had originally been fearful that the land would be taken away for development.
Councillor Eadie, cabinet member for investment, economic growth and tourism, said: "The recent article, which suggested greenbelt in Burntwood is going to be built on and that approximately 850 new houses will be allowed, is not correct.
"Our local plan consultation document identifies a need for 400 further homes in Burntwood, not 850. What the consultation document does recognise is that 438 houses are already adopted allocations and land has already been identified for these, so they are not new allocations.
"The further 400 homes, which are identified as being needed to accommodate people wanting to live in Burntwood, will be something that local people can influence where they go. This will be through Burntwood Town Council's neighbourhood plan. Lichfield District Council is not designating any strategic development sites in Burntwood
"The land off Coulter Lane is safeguarded and is subject to development restraint. It is not allocated for development by Lichfield District Council and we would not grant planning permission for any development as it stands.”
Visit lichfielddc.gov.uk/localplan2040 to read the plan and find out how to comment.
