New building and car park approved at barracks despite Sport England objection
A new building and car park have been given the green light at Whittington Barracks – despite objections from a sporting body that the development will lead to the loss of an area of playing field.
Lichfield District Council granted permission for the two and three storey office building and 230 space car park at the Tamworth Road barracks at a planning committee meeting on Monday.
The new building is set to replace two existing buildings on the site, which is located in the West Midlands Green Belt.
The application had been recommended for approval by council planning officers, but the planning committee was called on to make the decision because of an objection from Sport England, a statutory consultee, on the grounds that the proposed development would result in the loss of playing field.
A report to Monday’s planning committee said: “The proposed building would replace existing office buildings and would be sited on similar footprint to existing built form. The existing buildings are single and two storey and sited amongst a complex of buildings of varying heights, up to three storeys.
“The proposed building is part two and part three storey and, as such, would be a taller development than the existing buildings to be replaced. Notwithstanding this, the proposed building would be set within a context of existing built form within a large developed complex, nearby buildings are three storey in height.
“Spatially, it is considered that the development would have minimal impact on the openness of the Green Belt given its context. Furthermore, the building would be set back from the public highway and there would be intervening screening from existing and proposed vegetation.
“Notwithstanding the change in height proposed, it is therefore considered that visually the impact on the openness of the Green Belt would be limited. It is considered that development would not have a greater impact upon the openness of the Green Belt then the existing building.
“The application also seeks to create a car park to the north of Chester Road, this will replace the existing cricket nets. The sports pitch and cricket nets will be relocated within the remaining playing field; there will be no loss of pitches.
“The proposed car park will be sited within the existing fence line of the site and will be sited between the cricket pavilion and sports pitches. The car park will consist of resurfacing and planting, the existing fencing will be altered to accommodate the new entrances to the car park.
“No additional fencing will be created. The proposal is therefore considered to preserve the openness of the Green Belt.”
Committee member Councillor Diane Evans said: “I would move the recommendation. We have been told equivalent pitches will be provided and there will be no loss of sports facility.”
