20 new affordable homes for land near A38 in Lichfield

Lichfield District Council approved an application to build 20 properties – all of which have been described as affordable – on land south of Ryknild Street, Streethay.

Nine one-bedroom apartments were proposed in a block measuring up to three storeys high, alongside seven two bedroom and four three bedroom terraced houses. There are also 33 car parking spaces planned.

The application is for land near the A38 previously earmarked as a future housing development site and was recommended for approval by council planning officers ahead of Monday’s meeting.

But it was referred to the planning committee for a decision because an agreement was required to secure 37 per cent affordable housing in perpetuity, off-site highway works, and on-going maintenance of the private access road.

The council received three letters from residents in response to the application. Concerns included additional shadowing of existing properties, overlooking of private amenity space and increased noise and light pollution. There was also a comment that no further houses were needed in Streethay.

Councillor Richard Cox welcomed the prospect of affordable housing for the site.

But he added: “My question is around noise. I accept that we have the bund and trees but I’m concerned with the three storey development – are we OK with that height?

“We are going to have the acoustic barrier but if you are on the second floor – the third storey – are the noise levels going to be acceptable?”

The meeting was told that windows facing the main road were include acoustic glazing.

Councillor Jamie Checkland asked if charging points for electric vehicles would be included in the development, while Councillor Rob Birch canned for assurances that trees and hedges would not be netted to deter nesting birds.

Councillor Diane Evans said: “I don’t find this a very exciting layout but I do recognise the advantage of having the affordable housing. A developer would not want to take it on to build bigger properties.

“I feel it is a constrained site. We need as many affordable homes as we can get but I think the quality of life for people is vitally important as well.”

Committee chairman Councillor Thomas Marshall said: “In a perfect world it would probably be a bit different. But it is not a bad development under the circumstances.

“I believe there is provision for electric vehicle charging. I think most of us share the views (tree and hedge netting) is something to be avoided at all costs.”