300-home estate outside Lichfield refused after boundary lines debate
Plans for more than 300 homes and a “neighbourhood centre” on the edge of a village have been thrown out by Lichfield councillors – despite claims they are needed for older residents.
The development, earmarked for Midland Pig Producers’ site at Hay End Lane, Fradley, was set to include a shop, pub/cafe, medical facilities, gym and day nursery as well as 306 homes, including 122 for residents needing assisted living and care services.
But it was recommended for refusal by Lichfield District Council’s planning officers because it was outside the village settlement boundary.
At Monday’s planning committee 11 members voted in favour of refusal – despite councillors speaking up in support of the scheme.
Ward councillor Derick Cross said: “This development offers elderly downsizing – there is no downsizing nearby for Fradley for my age or older. All we have are numerous starter homes. We have a lot of elderly people in the village and people want to downsize.
“We need new health facilities – it has been on the agenda for a long time. We need another neighbourhood centre. We have one but there is nothing in the other part of the village.
“It will improve the junctions and extend road improvements being carried out outside the Redrow site. It will improve the cycling routes and footpaths”
Committee member David Leytham said: “When these proposals were first introduced in 2018 I was very enthusiastic about it. I felt it provided facilities that were needed and would provide them very well.
“I’m still enthusiastic about it but I want some clarification on the boundary of the village. Any application in the village boundary would be supported and any application outside the village boundary will not be supported – would there be any flexibility on that? Are we allowed to build outside the red line?”
But the meeting was told the boundary lines were there for a reason.
Committee member Richard Cox said: “Are we concerned this may set a precedent? I think there is scope to look at this.
“In terms of the length of time it has been kicked around there is still time to review it. After all this time we have a recommendation to refuse when there is a lot going for it.”
Fellow committee member Councillor Diane Evans said: “I can see there are many advantages to this development but unfortunately it doesn’t conform to the development plan.”
