Plans for homes on ‘precious’ green space in Lichfield withdrawn

The leader of a campaign opposing the building of affordable homes on two areas of green space in Lichfield says he is “thrilled” that the plans have been withdrawn.

Last September Dan Floyd rallied the community against the proposals for eight one-bedroom apartments on a triangle of land opposite the Tesco Express on Netherstowe and 16 homes on land between Leyfields and Dimbles Hill through the Curborough Action Group.

Residents were vehemently opposed to both schemes fearing the permanent loss of “precious” green space which is used for recreation and enjoyment by people of all ages.

Last Wednesday Lichfield District Council confirmed that housing provider Bromford had withdrawn its plans for both sites.

“I have spent nearly 12 months working on this campaign,” said Dan, 29.

“I'm happy to have gathered the community support and I'm thrilled that we got the result we wanted and have protected our green and open spaces.

“With that being said, I will not stop working for the residents of Lichfield to ensure we continue protecting green and open spaces across the north of Lichfield city.”

Petition

A petition of protest featuring some 1,200 signatures was submitted to the district council together with 118 letters objecting to the Netherstowe scheme and 104 letters against the proposal for Leyfields.

In January the district council’s cabinet reluctantly approved the sale of the green spaces to Bromford to honour an agreement made by a previous cabinet, fearing costly legal action if they did not.

Then planners at Lichfield District Council recommended refusing both schemes on the grounds that neither “constitute sustainable development” but the matter was deferred at the authority’s planning committee meeting in early February.

“People don’t want our green spaces built upon,” added Dan.

“The last 12 months have highlighted how important green and open spaces are to our society and our mental health.

“Obviously we do need to build homes but in viable places.”

Dan said he believes the new administration at the council is doing “a great job” of protecting green spaces across the Lichfield District.

“There are number of developments that the cabinet has stopped,” he said.

“They are doing their absolute best to protect the district.”