OBJECTORS say a development of up to 230 new homes on farmland in Whittington is in “the wrong location”.
Outline planning permission is being sought for the scheme on the site north of Fisherwick Road.
The plans for the 10.6-hectare site include public open space, while 43% of the homes are proposed to be affordable housing.
If the scheme is approved by Lichfield District Council, a further application covering details including housing design and layout would come forward at a later date.
A supporting statement said:
“The planning application has been submitted to deliver much-needed market and affordable homes in a sustainable location. It will help address Lichfield District Council’ five-year housing land supply shortfall.
“The proposed development will provide benefits over and above its contributions to meeting market and affordable housing needs, including the provision of significant amounts of public open space, improved connectivity and active travel routes through the site.
“The public open space provision will provide multi-functional benefits including enhancements to biodiversity, blue and green infrastructure and play areas.”
But objector Gayle Randle said:
“I live in this village and feel that this development is in the wrong location.
“The amount of traffic it 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 – it is already dangerous within the village, with a number of accidents occurring at The Dog crossroads.
“The school will also have to increase its size as well as increased access to the local GP surgery.
“I realise that the village needs more housing but this is not the best place for it due to the additional issues around traffic in this area.”
Philip Sharpe, commenting on behalf of Inland Waterways Association, said:
“The land is part of the green belt and lies 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.”
Full details can be found on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.