Lichfield Core Strategy - Liberal Democrat Response
Posted on Tuesday 1st February 2011 00:00 by Keith
Lichfield Local Development Framework Consultation - response by Lichfield Liberal Democrats
We agree that the 8,000 target for housebuilding in the period 2006-2026, is about the right level of development. There have already been around 3,000 qualifying building permissions approved, (in many cases with buildings already completed or under construction), leaving approximately 5,000 dwellings to be found. This, it needs to be emphasised is for maximum building in the entire District of Lichfield stretching from Little Aston in the South to Kings Bromley in the North between now and 2026.
Of these remaining 5,000 dwellings we believe that a minimum of 1,250 should be 'affordable' homes to help our young people afford to stay in the area.
The southern boundary of the site in South Lichfield City where 550 houses are proposed should be clearly defined, not intrude on Green Belt land and should be below the ridge line of the hill. Any new development, including any 'buffer zone' and ancillary services such as schools and a neighbourhood centre, should be within this boundary. If this development does not fit within these bounds then house numbers should be scaled back appropriately.
We have grave concerns about the South Lichfield development on the Lichfield City centre road network as well as the resulting air pollution and carbon footprint generation. Also doubted is the ability of the London Road junction to cope with the increased traffic generated if the Southern Bypass is extended to it as planned.
It is vital to require that any planning applications for larger developments in the District have conditions that insist on community facilities such as play facilities, community hall, schools etc. being incorporated at an early stage of development.
Energy efficiency and other measures to combat climate change should be required as a condition of planning approval. These should include, where applicable, communal heating plants, microgeneration units such as solar panels and thermal ground source heating units for communal and commercial buildings. It is vital that the Council plays a proactive role in encouraging such measures from developers.
The Park and Ride facility proposed for Trent Valley Station, Lichfield, should also provide a regular shuttle service to and from the Lichfield City station to service the Lichfield City centre from the periphery. To this end, all trains to Birmingham should start and terminate at the Trent Valley station. Negotiations should take place with the Rail Authority at an early stage, to attempt to bring these proposals into effect.
We support the provision of additional employment facilities in Lichfield City. This should reduce the number of outward commuting journeys from Lichfield City by providing more employment for people who would prefer to not have to commute. There are already sites vacant off Eastern Avenue and around the foot of Trent Valley Road that would be particularly suitable for high quality offices.
The recreational buffer zones on the periphery of Lichfield City should be preserved. The recreational zone on Darwin Park is of particular concern and uses such as allotments or playing fields should be considered as and when the opportunities arise.
To have your own say before 28 February 2011 write to Planning Policy Manager, Development Service, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6YZAlternatively register on line at http://lichfielddc-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal
