Plans for up to 230 new homes have been submitted for farmland north of Fisherwick Road, to the east of Whittington, near Lichfield.
The application proposes development on a 10.6 hectare (26.2 acre) site. According to the developer's supporting statement, the scheme would provide "much-needed market and affordable homes in a sustainable location" and help address the area's housing supply shortage.
Affordable housing and design
The plans include public open space, with 43% of the homes earmarked for affordable housing. If approved by Lichfield District Council, a further application covering housing design and layout would be submitted at a later date.
Local objections raised
Residents have raised concerns about the impact on local services and traffic. One villager objected on the grounds of location, stating: "The amount of traffic that this development will produce will have major impact on the roads within the village. The hump back bridge going to this development will surely not be able to handle all this additional traffic. The traffic is already dangerous within the village, with a number of accidents occurring at [the cross roads]."
Philip Sharpe, commenting on behalf of the Inland Waterways Association, said the land was part of the green belt and lay outside the designated village boundary. "Being productive farmland, it should not be classed as grey belt, and therefore, exceptional circumstances should be needed to justify development on this scale," he stated.
Environmental and infrastructure benefits
The developers said the project would bring about enhancements to biodiversity, infrastructure, health and wellbeing.