Lichfield District LITTLE Rural Planning

Project

A. WHAT YOU SAID B. WHAT C.A.B.E. SAID C. OTHER EVIDENCE RELEVANT TO PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF

D. TOWARDS A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Lichfield District Council September 2011 NB – To be read in conjunction with the Introduction and Conclusion Reports. November 2011 A. What you said: and . At this and ‘density’ of tree cover. Some event it was noted that the ‘heart’ of the noted that it was important to protect 1. The following paragraphs summarise original village lay in the area near to St. trees as this would maintain the the main outcomes from the rural Peter’s Church (and Forge Lane), but character of Little Aston. The planning project in terms of the views also that today Little Aston contains closeness to Sutton Park was also gathered, principally from residents of several individual ‘districts’. These were noted as contributing to the the village, between July 2010 and shown on a workshop plan as areas of environment of part of Little Aston. February 2011. The original analyses on “commonality”, these being parts of Little Descriptions of the things people liked which this summary is based are Aston that have common characteristics about Little Aston from questionnaire included as Appendix 2. Views and within them, such as the character of responses used terms such as: quiet; ideas arising from the February 2011 their streets, density or tree cover, whilst friendly community spirit; spacious; workshop event are illustrated on the the individual ‘districts’ may differ secluded; tidy; rural; a conservation accompanying Composite Plan of significantly from each other in area; not over developed. Workshop Ideas. character. These areas are shown on the Composite Plan of Workshop Ideas. 5. Others noted that although Little • Character and environment Aston was a community, because of its form there was no focal point that 2. Many of those who responded to could act as the heart of the questionnaires or took part in events settlement. The question of whether thought or accepted that Little Aston Little Aston needed a ‘heart’ was not really a village in the somewhere was discussed in traditional sense, because of its workshops and others commented physical form and location alongside a through questionnaires. Some saw the larger urban area. Nevertheless there need for a central place with was a view that there was a strong somewhere to meet, for formal sport community ‘ethic’. Most people and recreation. Overall however in thought of themselves as belonging to terms of the range of views gathered, Little Aston and that its ‘identity’ was there was no consensus on whether different from the adjacent areas. Little Aston lacked a ‘heart’ or whether there was a need to create a place to 3. During the workshops in February fulfil the function.

2011 groups defined the boundaries or edges of Little Aston, as principally St. Peter’s Church 6. Some people thought that Little being formed by open farmland to the Aston needed a clearer ‘identity’ as a north and north-west, by golf courses in 4. People attached great importance separate place or community and that the west and north, and by the different to the ‘leafy streets’ characteristic of the existing features that give it urban character it showed when much of the area and felt that it was identity therefore need to be protected. compared to the adjacent areas within important to maintain the current type Again however, overall there was no2

great consensus on whether a clearer environmental quality was 11. Several suggestions were made ‘identity’ is needed. consequently important to them. Part indicating lengths of road where the of protection included to keeping open speed limit should be reduced. These 7. Within Little Aston parts of the some views out of Little Aston to the included Mill Lane/ Road – settlement lie within gated areas. north, including from the area by St. from 40 mph to 30 mph, making all of Many of these were created much Peter’s Church and the area north of Blake Street 30 mph, and making the earlier in time than is common within Little Aston Lane that looks into open A454 route through Little Aston all 30 the and most are areas countryside. There was a suggestion mph. In addition a suggestion of traffic of very low density development in an of wildflower and tree planting in these calming Aldridge Road and Little environment with a substantial tree areas to improve the environment Aston Lane was made, although not canopy. The ‘gated communities’ further. People wanted to see by using ‘speed humps’. Some people appeared to be an issue amongst environmental control exercised over thought that part of the problem was some people who responded to the the area to prevent future erosion of its poor enforcement of the existing consultation. Some thought that they quality and were concerned that ‘over- speed limits in the area. had some harmful impacts in terms of development’ could also impact upon limiting the potential for pedestrian or the quality of the settlement. 12. Some people expressed a concern cycle access within Little Aston and a that the footpath network was social impact in separating • Transport and traffic relatively poor, both in terms of its communities and restricting management maintenance and also that there were community cohesion. lengths where the width of footpaths 9. Many people who contributed to the were inadequate. questionnaire or workshops had issues over road traffic and public transport. The speed of traffic was a particular issue.

10. There was a consensus that speeding traffic affected a number of roads within Little Aston and this appeared to be the most important traffic issue to many people. Many thought that the speed of traffic was Roman Road too high particularly on Little Aston Lane, Aldridge Road, Road Forge Lane outside school hours 8. People who contributed to the rural and Rosemary Hill Road. ‘Rat running’ masterplanning project all seemed to 13. The issue of walking access to was thought to contribute to the value the environment of Little Aston. Little Aston Primary School had a problem and increase the amount of The protection of its current number of facets. Parking on Forge traffic within the area. 3

Lane to drop off and collect children workshops are shown on the 16. In terms of specific suggestions a was seen as an issue of safety Composite Plan of Workshop Ideas. request was made for a bus stop on because of the number of cars and the the north side of Aldridge Road narrowness of the land and footpaths. 15. One of the top priorities that outside Little Aston Hospital. As a Reference was made to the emerged from the ‘stakeholder’ possible longer term suggestion the narrowness of footpaths having workshops held in November 2010 reopening of passenger services along prevented the establishment of a was to improve the ‘disjointed and the ‘Sutton Park Line’ was also ‘walking bus’ for schoolchildren. insufficient’ public transport facilities. suggested to allow connections with Suggestions were made that a One of the issues arising from this was Sutton Coldfield, , Aldridge footpath connection could be made the lack of a regular bus connection and Wolverhampton, with a possible between Forge Lane and Little Aston from Little Aston to Blake Street station within Little Aston. Lane through the recreation ground, station. The quality and frequency of and that this would be a convenient buses to Lichfield has also been 17. The maintenance and route for some. Mention was made raised as an issue. However improvement of the existing local that a footpath could have been questionnaire results suggest that at shops was seen as important to the created between Blake Street and present most people did not use public life of Little Aston. The improvement of Forge Lane, but the opportunity to transport, citing cost, infrequency, the parking facilities at Burnett Road was create this was missed when the golf walking distances to reach services mentioned as something that could course was developed. and the lack of information about help to sustain the shopping centre services as reasons they didn’t use there. 14. There was a desire to improve the bus services. Those who did use potential for walking and cycling in the public transport tended to use the train • Community activities and area and some saw the presence of service from Blake Street into Sutton facilities gated areas as inhibiting this. Many Coldfield and Birmingham. people however, disagreed with this 18. The consultation showed that view. Several suggestions were made many people recognised that Little for new recreational footpath links or Aston has a range of community opportunities. As well as the Forge facilities, but there were issues for Lane – Little Aston Lane link, some in improving them. People suggestions were made that this area attending events or answering the north of the village would be good for questionnaire variously identified circular routes and the land to the west existing facilities to include two of Little Aston hospital was considered shopping area, the village school, to be an opportunity to establish church, hall, recreation area footpaths across or within it (the same and football/hockey at Chester Road. area, however, was also suggested as There was some concern however a potential housing location – see Clarence Road that the dentist identified within the below). Suggestions made at the Lichfield District Rural Sustainability 4

Study was purely private and that the creation of a new community hall as a to live” and this included keeping open settlement currently has no doctors place to meet and that this could be views where they exist. surgery. This potentially suggested alongside a suggested “community that the level of local sustainability of recreation zone” north of Little Aston 22. In terms of questionnaire Little Aston was not as strong or Lane, as shown in the Composite Plan responses a small majority felt there diverse as indicated within the Study. of Workshop Ideas. Some thought that was a good choice of housing to meet the existing Parish Hall was “past its local needs, although the small size of sell-by date” and in need of some the sample again needs to be improvement while others noted that acknowledged. Some said that Little the Community Association meets at Aston is an expensive area and has the church or the Parish Hall but no starter homes and this view is sometimes it was difficult to book the supported by survey information. Hall. However this is another topic on However some noted that they did not which no dominant view has emerged want to see the development of from the rural masterplanning project apartments and what was needed was within Little Aston, since a number of bungalows and mixed developments. people did not agree in their A view expressed by one respondent responses that there was any need for was that Little Aston does not need Community Hall Little Aston Lane somewhere additional to meet and any ‘starter homes’ because this type most responses did not agree that of accommodation is provided in 19. Most people responding to a there was a need for more sports nearby communities. questionnaire thought that there is a pitches. Most people who responded good range of activities and facilities at the February event were also 23. Some people suggested there was for local people, but that the range of opposed to the idea of more local a local need for ‘downsizing’ facilities needs to be improved. It facilities, such as a pub or more accommodation and there was also needs to be noted however that this shops. the suggestion that any smaller was from a small sample of the bungalows in the area should be community and responses from the • Development and housing retained rather than being replaced February workshop event suggested with larger dwellings. There was little that many thought the facilities did not 21. Views on future development, in reference to social housing within the need improving and there was no particular for housing, were related to consultation and some specific need for example for more sports the way people regarded the opposition to the idea of new social pitches. settlement and their existing housing. environment. The main view 20. There was a view amongst some expressed in the project was a need to 24. Overall therefore there was no who attended the February 2011 keep the established character of Little strong view expressed of a need for workshop, that part of establishing a Aston as a place where people “aspire new housing and support for the idea ‘heart’ to the community should be the of protecting the existing character of5

Little Aston. This may have been the no consensus view on the need for of Little Aston for new housing and reason that there was little to emerge any local ‘downsizing’ some concern that development within from the February workshop in terms accommodation. the settlement could have an adverse of potential housing options for the impact, such as in reducing the future. Some references were made • Other Issues density of tree cover. that no more ‘inappropriate style’ building was needed (recent 26. There was frequent mention of a 29. Ambitions for the future therefore development at Hardwick need for access to high speed centred on improving the Road/Burnett Road was given as an broadband within Little Aston and this environmental quality and facilities. example), and one mention was made seemed to be a particular local issue. There appeared to be consensus on of resisting ‘garden developments’. This was seen to have an impact on the the need for further traffic There was also a desire to avoid new ability of local businesses to keep pace management, in particular to reduce ‘housing estates’. with other areas as well as affecting speeds, and for improvements to help people’s domestic use of the Internet. walking and cycling. Public transport improvements were also supported. 27. Unusually amongst villages, the issue of postal address and postcode 30. There was less agreement was raised several times. This was however on the need for new facilities. related to local identity, even though Whilst some people thought that a local authorities do not control new community hall and recreation postcodes. Clearly people value living in area was needed and that this would Little Aston, but some feel that having a help to create a stronger ‘heart’ and Walsall (WS) postcode erodes the focus to Little Aston, others settlement identity. One suggestion was considered that these were not made that Lichfield should have its own needed. It is not clear from this project Little support for new housing postcode and one suggested that the whether there is a representative postal address for the area should be ‘community’ view on these issues. 25. Only one suggested location was “Little Aston, ”. put forward as a potential future housing location. This was on the land • What you want for the future at Aldridge Road to the west of Little

Aston Hospital, which was suggested as a possible future location for 28. In terms of the future, the ‘quality’ downsizing accommodation protection of the existing character of (see Composite Plan of Workshop Little Aston is a significant thread Ideas for location) for people to move running through people’s participation to as their family size reduced. As in the consultations. There was little noted previously however, there was ambition expressed for any expansion 6

B. What CABE said commuter rail access close to the south-western corner of Little Aston 31. The independent event enabler around Streetly village. sponsored by CABE reported his views on all six villages covered by the At the workshop (which had a ‘rural masterplanning’ project to the relatively low attendance compared District Council in April 2011. The to substantial numbers viewing the content of his report relating exhibition) there was some specifically to Little Aston is set out enthusiasm for improving links on below. foot/ by bike within the locality and particularly to community facilities and the school at Forge Lane. Entrance to Little Aston Park “LITTLE ASTON There was enthusiasm for reinforcing the role of Little Aston Much of Little Aston is essentially Village centre (which crosses the an outer suburb of the Birmingham boundary with Birmingham) as a conurbation defined by enclaves of focus for the local community and high value residential property, a there was some discussion on how golf club and private hospital. As local businesses might be the history over time diagrams encouraged to stay or locate here. demonstrate there is a long history of infilling and intensification over From a rural masterplan fund time since the last major greenfield viewpoint the local planning issues development in the 1970’s. at Little Aston were untypical and it is not really a ‘rural settlement’ in Burnett Road At its Eastern edge parts of Little functional terms.” Aston are close to Blake Street station (across the boundary in Birmingham) and there may be some limited scope here for ‘rounding’ the outer edge of the conurbation with limited additional housing within walking distance of this station. In the longer term if the ‘Sutton Park line’ (Walmley to Walsall) were reopened there might also potentially be a station adding 7

C. Other Evidence Relevant to developed from Little Aston Park, 1920s, 1930s, 1950s and 1960s planning for the future of Little which formed the recreational grounds housing, ranging from the modern Aston of Little estate. The old movement to mock Tudor and village of Little Aston lies adjacent to vernacular revival. • Character and Environment the northern boundary and part of the old village was added to the 32. Little Aston is not a freestanding Conservation Area in 2009 when the settlement, but is a significant District Council prepared a community located on the edge of a Conservation Area Appraisal for Little larger urban area. Whilst this is not Aston. This area has a more traditional unique within Lichfield District, since vernacular style and generally smaller Fazeley/Mile Oak is similarly located, properties and plots. Little Aston is a settlement that has 35. The Conservation Area is, as a unusual characteristics that tend to set result of its origins, very extensive, it apart both from other villages within amounting to well over 130 hectares. Lichfield District and from the neighbouring settlements of Sutton 36. Little Aston was designated a Coldfield and Streetly with which it Conservation Area due to its high merges. quality environment, remnant parkland estate and good examples of 33. The particularly significant incremental individual development characteristic that encompasses a Gate at St. Peter’s Church during the 20th Century. Of immense large part of Little Aston is that much importance was the quality of of it has extremely low development 37. There are over 60 Tree landscape, a heathland mix of densities, derived from the gradual Preservation Orders within Little landscaped and secondary woodland, development of high quality individual Aston, mainly within the Conservation with individually designed houses dwellings in large grounds within what Area. The potential loss of trees is a interspersed through the area. The was originally a parkland estate threat to the wooded character of the many examples of outstanding trees, setting. This has allowed a dense tree area and this can arise from a number including Scots pine, Corsican pine, canopy to emerge and be maintained, of causes, including old age, lack of sweet and horse chestnut, silver birch, such that it has become a distinctive replacement planting and oak and sycamore, the great urban landscape feature. development. The age distribution of expanses of rhododendron, the trees within the area is heavily skewed 34. Much of Little Aston is covered by impressive vistas along tree and towards mature or over-mature trees a Conservation Area designation that rhododendron lined lanes were with fewer young or semi mature recognises these qualities. It was justification for the preservation and trees. designated in 1999. Little Aston enhancement of Little Aston, as were the excellent examples of high quality 8

38. Preserving and enhancing the 40. Lichfield District Council has development, the need to respect the character or appearance of the recently adopted a Conservation Area character and grain of existing Conservation Area is one of the most Management Plan for the Little Aston development including the large plots. significant factors in considering the Conservation Area. This will have a It notes that, “development should only future of Little Aston. There has bee a number of significant implications for be allowed where it will fit in with the significant level of infill development the area, particularly that it adds existing historic form of development; over the past 20 or more years and additional planning controls over where it does not impinge on the the area continues to be under development within the Area, to setting of historic buildings; and where pressure from back land development, include matters that would normally be it does not result in the loss of infill development and amalgamation outside planning control. These important green open space.” of plots. Pressure to build additional include control covering 85 identified housing on the existing large plots of properties within the Conservation land allocated to each dwelling should Area, over such proposals as not be expected to disappear and enlargement of roof alterations to there may be additional potential dwellings, constructing porches or within the area. However, as expressly buildings and structures within the noted within the Little Aston grounds of dwellings and exterior Conservation Area Appraisal, each painting. A complete list of the proposal should be carefully properties involved and the additional considered on its own merits and controls over them is included within future developments must seek to the Conservation Area Management preserve the pattern and appearance Plan. of dwellings and to enhance the The Forge, Forge Lane character and quality of the 41. Other important features of the 43. Although the Conservation Area is conservation area and continue the Management Plan are that it identifies of great significance within Little tradition of good examples of varying properties to be included within the Aston, it is significant that the architectural styles. register of buildings of special local interest, it will keep the need for the residents through the workshop 39. As well as containing important preparation of enhancement schemes identified a number of areas that had individual trees and groups of trees, under review, will seek to protect what they described as “areas of there are a limited number of open important views and look to find ways commonality”. Some of these areas lie green spaces within the Conservation of achieving a more cohesive and outside the Conservation Area. They Area. The Conservation Area integrated approach to street furniture. tend to have a higher density of Appraisal has noted these and the development, but some degree of need to retain them. One of the most 42. In terms of implications for future uniformity within them so that they significant is the view across to St. development the Management Plan have distinctive characteristics of their Peter’s Church across rising ground adds weight to the protection of views own whilst still recognisably being part from Aldridge Road. from inappropriate forms of of Little Aston. The areas identified9

through the workshop are shown on Ecological Services) includes a phase natural broadleaved woodland are the Composite Plan of Workshop 1 habitat survey of two areas, to the present, which should be retained. Ideas, although there may be others north and to the south west of Little not specifically identified at that event. Aston respectively, to consider 48. The habitats in both areas are whether they support areas of likely to support both protected 44. In all, this means that Little Aston valuable habitat likely to be important species and species identified in the has a varied and complex, not to protected species or species Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan, uniform, urban form. It is large in size identified in the Staffordshire but the biodiversity interest is unlikely considering that it has little over 1,000 Biodiversity Action Plan. The Study to be sufficient to prevent development households. Because of its unusual drew from existing records in the in these areas if it were otherwise history of development it has no Staffordshire ecological records considered appropriate. The Study recognisable central place to form a database and from field surveys. recommends the retention of the open village ‘centre’, but has facilities water, semi-improved grassland and located in a number of places with two 46. The surveys include those largely woodland habitats in the event of distinct and widely separated shopping undeveloped areas where potential development. and service areas and a third area of development sites are most likely to the old village containing the primary be drawn from if new development Flood Risk school and a recreation area. The was considered appropriate in the church is separate from all of these. area. These characteristics give rise to the 49. A Surface Water Management issue raised locally and discussed 47. The Study shows that there are no Plan was prepared for southern through the consultation of whether existing designated biodiversity sites Staffordshire in 2010 and forms part of there is a need for the consolidation of in either area. Both areas contain the evidence base for the Local new facilities in one place to create a significant proportions of arable land Development Framework. The Plan ‘heart’ and strengthen the sense of and both contain large areas of identified 7 historic flooding events in local community. However the ‘amenity grassland’, which is in fact the Little Aston Area, although these characteristics are also important in mainly the two Little Aston golf were dispersed and include 2 events considering the question of whether courses. There is some open water in near Shenstone Wood End, two on Little Aston is an appropriate place to both areas, which is likely to be of Aldridge Rd. and two in the south of locate significant new development some significance to wildlife and which Little Aston, close to Sutton Park. and if so where should it be and at it is recommended should be retained. These events were mainly sewer or what the scale. In the north there are two areas of highway flooding, although there is species poor semi-improved one brook course north of Blake Street Biodiversity grassland, which could possibly be and east of Aston Wood golf course enhanced to create linking habitat. where there has been surface water One of these areas is the field that lies flooding on more than one occasion. 45. An Ecological Study of Lichfield to the north of St. Peter’s church. In None of these events appear to be District (2009 by Staffordshire the south-west area, areas of semi- linked but the Management Plan10

recommends further analysis will have some emphasis on the 52. The Integrated Transport Strategy identifying the location of potential infrastructure necessary to promote does not include any specific future surface water flooding. Site- movement by more sustainable proposals in the Little Aston area, specific analysis would be necessary transport measures, and to either for traffic management or for to consider potential development accommodate growth, it also improved public transport. However it sites. Little Aston was identified as one recognises that the needs of local identifies potential types of projects of seven settlements within Lichfield neighbourhoods is one of the transport such as 20 mph zones, a speed limit District that were classified as having challenges that needs to be met. review, community transport, bus a high overall risk of surface water service information and pedestrian flooding and should be subject to safety priorities, as approaches that further review. could be tapped into to achieve local ambitions. There are increasingly • Transport scarce resources for transport management and such initiatives will 50. Because of its’ location on the need to be largely funded by County northern edge of the West Midlands council capital and revenue funds, conurbation there are a number of (including Councillor’s revenue funds) both ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads that pass and influenced by community through Little Aston which have consultation. It will be important for functions of distributing through traffic communities to be aware of County as well as serving the local area. Council funding mechanisms and the These include the A454, which opportunity to influence them if there includes Walsall Road and Aldridge are particular local issues, such as Road, the A452 Chester Road and the traffic speeds within Little Aston, that B4138, which is Rosemary Hill Road. they wish to see addressed. There were no great congestion issues on these routes raised through Train Services the rural masterplanning consultation, Traffic and signs residents main concerns being about 53. Little Aston is one of two rural This includes maintaining the current the speed of traffic. At present there settlements within Lichfield district condition and safety of the highway are no proposals on any of these that has direct access to a rail network, improving accessibility and station, albeit that Blake Street routes in Staffordshire highways the quality of life in local communities improvement programmes. station lies within Birmingham. The and providing adequate public station is within walking distance for 51. Staffordshire County Council is transport access to local services and some, but owing to the size of Little currently progressing a Lichfield facilities. Aston, for many it is more likely to District Integrated Transport Strategy involve parking at the station. The for the period 2011 to 2026. Whilst this station itself has 155 car spaces 11

and cycle parking facilities for 12 of potential improvements to the education and to supermarkets by cycles. There are bus services within network in the West Midlands through public transport, but access was Little Aston, although visitors to a process of technical work and poorer to other facilities, such as events noted there were no direct stakeholder involvement. It has secondary education and GP services to Blake Street. For the included amongst its preferred options surgeries. It also indicated that benefit of Little Aston residents the a new station for Aldridge and a although part of Little Aston had good possibility of the current through bus service from Aldridge to Birmingham, walking journey times to a primary service stopping at the station or the to help serve the area. The proposal school, walking times from the provision of diverted or new services would be implemented through an southern part of the settlement to the being set up could warrant further extension of electrified services from primary school at Forge Lane would investigation. Walsall. This would replace a previous be up to 40 minutes. Congestion along CENTRO proposal to provide the Forge Lane at school opening and 54. Good access to a station, which station and use the Sutton Park line to closing times was an issue amongst here serves both Birmingham and serve Birmingham. The RUS also some who attended the events and the Lichfield, is potentially a favourable notes there are constraints to greater walking journey time provides an factor in terms of locations for freight use on the Sutton Park line, but interesting context to the issue. additional housing and this point was these are being addressed as part of noted in the CABE report, which re-signalling and renewal schemes in suggested the possibility of some the area. Thus the rail strategy for the ‘rounding’ of development within area excludes the possibility of walking distance of the station. This passenger services on the Sutton Park suggestion is considered below line, but does open the option of use within the section on development of a new service from Aldridge via and housing. Walsall, which may be of some benefit to the Little Aston area. 55. Within the February 2011 workshops a suggestion was made of Accessibility opening a rail station on the Sutton Park line. This would represent a 56. A Transport Accessibility Study for Local shops replacement of the station that was Lichfield District prepared in 2008 closed many years ago and considered accessibility of settlements 57. The Study also produced subsequently redeveloped for housing. to employment, education, healthcare composite ‘scores’ for public transport In May 2011 Network Rail published and shopping (supermarkets). It or walking accessibility for each ward its Rail Utilisation Strategy (RUS) for examined accessibility at the village in the District to all facilities (overall the West Midlands, which considers level and for individual areas within accessibility) and to individual rail improvements in detail up to 2020 villages. The study showed that parts facilities. Since the study results were and in more general terms up to 2030. of Little Aston has relatively good based upon dividing ward score The RUS has considered a wide range access to employment, to further rankings into quartiles, which gave a12

measure of relative accessibility of Local centres centres that have a valuable local wards within the District. In terms of function and their future should be both overall accessibility and supported by planning policy, to the accessibility to individual facilities, 59. Whilst there are a number of local extent that it is able. Little Aston Ward consistently fell shops in two separate local centres within the bottom quartile of the within Little Aston they are situated at Recreation Lichfield District Wards. This is the two extremities of the settlement. only ward amongst all of those There is no central shopping location 60. In terms of outdoor or indoor sport containing the six settlements included equally accessible to all as a result of or general outdoor recreation Little in the rural masterplanning study, the form and size of the settlement. Aston cannot be considered in which always fell within the bottom Both the centres at Burnett Road and isolation from the adjacent area quartile for the District. Little Aston Lane offer convenience because parts of the settlement lie and some specialist shops and close to Sutton Park, which is one of 58. These results suggest that in terms services, although Burnett Road is the largest semi-natural greenspaces of accessibility, taking account of the significantly the larger. in the Midlands. Wyndley Leisure whole range of services and facilities Centre is also relatively easily considered in the study, Little Aston accessible from Little Aston, providing could be considered to have some a public swimming pool. However it is issues in relation to its suitability for relevant to consider what local significant development. This is recreation facilities are available within surprising considering the proximity of the community. Sutton Coldfield and the availability of a rail station at Blake Street, but may 61. A Playing Pitch Assessment say something about the level of (2007) and an Open Space facilities available within Little Aston Assessment (2008/9) have both been itself and the large geographical extent prepared as evidence for the Local of the settlement. It should be noted Development Framework. These that the Rural Settlement Sustainability Shops at Little Aston Lane local centre provide information to enable Study 2008, which identified Little recreation provision to be considered Both centres appear to be relatively Aston as one of the 6 settlements for Little Aston. healthy and have a valuable local within Lichfield District with the highest function. Little Aston residents noted ‘score’ in relation to access to facilities 62. Part of the background to the their value and their desire that they and services found it ranked at playing pitch assessment is a trend for should be retained and supported number 6 of the District’s settlements. less use of adult football pitches, but during the rural planning project. increased participation by younger age Although maintaining and supporting • Community Facilities and groups. The Study considered future Activities local centres is a difficult area of trends and took account of various planning policy to implement, they are programmes to increase 13

participation in sport and used these to sport, the study predicted that for District Council’s Open Space Sport forecast the need for playing pitches at Lichfield Rural South the shortfalls in and Recreation Assessment of 2009, 2021. junior football, mini-soccer and cricket included both quality and accessibility pitches would all increase by 2021. It assessments of play spaces and 63. The Playing Pitch Assessment is not clear however whether the found that the Little Aston recreation considered the settlement as part of a shortfall figures for the ‘Rural South’ area scored very highly in terms of the ‘Rural South’ area of Lichfield District, fairly represent the situation for Little quality of the facilities, but relatively (encompassing Little Aston, Aston, since there are already poorly in terms of its accessibility. This Shenstone, Stonnall, Fazeley and significant shortfalls for Fazeley Ward, again relates to the size and shape of Bourne Vale wards) and also at the which is where most of the the settlement. Whilst Little Aston Ward level. Because of the wide area deficiencies in junior football and mini- meets standards set for the quantity of covered by ‘Rural South’ these ‘sub- soccer will arise. equipped play space and its quality, area’ figures are not greatly helpful in the issue of accessibility would be considering individual settlements. 66. The study recommended that for difficult to overcome unless a second Lichfield District policies should ensure equipped play space was to be 64. Overall the study found a current the safeguarding of existing pitches, created in a different location. surplus of adult football pitches in securing community use agreements Unfortunately there is no obvious Lichfield Rural South area of some 8.4 of schools facilities and re-designating single location or site where this could pitches, but shortfalls in junior football, some adult pitches for other sports, be achieved. mini-soccer and cricket. The ward such as junior football and mini- level analysis indicates a current soccer. It was noted that there was no 69. The Open Space Assessment also surplus of 4 adult football pitches for formal community use agreement for noted that whilst there is a large Little Aston and no shortfalls in junior Little Aston Primary School. equipped play space for Little Aston, football, mini-soccer, cricket or rugby. there is no separate amenity The current analysis at ward level is 67. There was a suggestion in the greenspace. based upon matching supply and February workshop of the possibility of demand following an audit of pitches developing a ‘community recreation and a survey of clubs. The results of area’ north of Little Aston Lane. It • Housing Growth the Study suggest that this is an area would require further investigation of of relatively low demand, but in local demand to determine whether Recent growth: addition it identifies Little Aston Ward such an area should encompass as a Ward that is likely to see a fall in playing pitches, (at junior or adult 70. Most of Little Aston developed population in future years, which levels) should the idea be progressed. gradually from the early twentieth would suppress future demand. century mainly through incremental 68. For outdoor play Little Aston has a individual development with many 65. Considering the future at the sub- recreation ground of around 2.9 examples of high quality 1920s, area level, including population hectares, which is relatively newly 1930s, 1950s and 1960s housing changes and predicted participation in equipped for children’s play. The within the former extent of Little 14

Aston Park. The map showing the Background report), there are no local housing is of larger detached evolution of Little Aston (see housing need surveys specific to Little properties and both house prices and Appendix 3) shows the large extent of Aston and therefore the technical incomes are higher in the ‘rural south’ ‘mixed age’ development, which evidence to support any specific level than in other parts of Lichfield District. represents the area of individual or types of housing requirements in dwellings, within which there has been the immediate area is absent. There 74. In response to a survey 10.3% of later low density infill and some are however aspects of the evidence residents who responded considered redevelopment. There have been two reports on housing already their current home to be unsuitable for or three examples of larger scale commissioned by the District Council their needs. This however represented developments, particularly in the that are relevant to the area. only 23 households of 217 replies to 1970’s, but since then most the survey and so the results must be development has been through infill viewed with some caution. Size, and at a small scale. particularly properties being too large, was the main reason given for 71. A Table showing the remaining unsuitability, with 34% of those who development potential within the thought their home unsuitable for their current village boundary identified by needs saying it was too large the District Council’s 2010 Strategic compared to 17% who said it was too Housing Land Availability Assessment, small. Comparing property size with is included as Appendix 4, together household size also indicated that with a Plan of potential sites identified under-occupation is much more by the SHLAA.It shows only 8 dwelling significant than over-occupation in completions between 2006 and 2010 Housing on Little Aston Lane Lichfield ‘Rural South’. but remaining planning permissions at April 2010 of 34 dwellings, mostly in 73. The Rural Housing Needs Survey 75. Just over a quarter of the plots of 1 or 2 dwellings, some of of 2008 included Little Aston within the households who responded to the which have now been completed. ‘rural south’ part of the District, which survey had moved to their current There is virtually no further capacity encompasses Little Aston, Shenstone, home within the last 5 years, and 81% currently identified within the existing Stonnall, Canwell Wall and Weeford. of these had moved into the area from limits to the settlement defined by the Within this area of over 15,000 elsewhere, mainly from Lichfield, adopted Local Plan, with total houses, it identified an owner Sutton Coldfield and Walsall. development potential identified of occupation of 91.1%, significantly only 45 dwellings for the period 2006 higher than most parts of Lichfield 76. More households expressed an to 2026. District, with a very low proportion of intention to move within the next 2 dwellings being for social rent. For years than actually moved in the past 72. Housing need: Although there is Little Aston the 2001 Census showed 2 years, 15.8% compared to 10.2% evidence that identifies a District-wide 95.5% owner occupation with only and only around 25% of those housing need as (see Introduction and 1.2% social renting. Most existing intending to move expected to stay15

within the ‘rural south’ part of the would be expected to be for a small 82. The approach taken by the District. number of dwellings. February 2011 workshop session was to consider potential outside the 77. Most people who intended to move Development opportunities: settlement boundary and whilst there expected to own their own home, with was no particular desire for more most having a preference for four 80. Without expansion beyond the development from those who bedroomed or three bedroomed current settlement boundary the attended, one group identified a site detached housing. None of those development potential so far identified that it considered could accommodate intended movers were looking for a in Little Aston is limited to some 45 development to address the issue it one bedroomed property. dwellings (see Appendix 4), identified, this being a need for people marginally the lowest level of potential to ‘downsize’ into smaller but high 78. Whilst 7.7% of households identified amongst the six settlements quality accommodation. This area is contained at least one member being considered by the rural planning shown on the Composite Plan of planning to move out to establish a project. Workshop Ideas. It lies to the west of new independent household within Little Aston hospital along Aldridge the next two years none of them 81. The District Council’s Strategic Road. The land has an area of some expected to stay within the ‘rural Housing Land Availability Assessment 9.1 hectares and is one of the sites south’ part of Lichfield District. The 2010 (SHLAA), identifies a number of included within the District Council’s overall housing demand from both opportunities for the further housing 2010 SHLAA document, where it is existing and newly forming development of the village that are shown as having a capacity of 164 households is primarily for two, three outside the settlement boundary. dwellings, although it could be and four bedroomed detached These sites have been brought developed at a different density fro properties. forward by the ‘development industry’ that assumed by the SHLAA. The and if implemented could result in a workshop groups did not identify any 79. Whilst it is difficult to quantify, the significant expansion of Little Aston. other potential locations that were survey does provide some support for These could be considered as thought to be possible development the view expressed through the providing a choice of ‘options’ brought sites. workshops that there was a need for forward by a number of separate properties to downsize to, albeit that interests and do not imply any 83. The Aldridge Road site represents these might still be in three necessity to consider such a scale of one of the potential options for bedroomed detached houses. In development. All of the sites, including expansion of the settlement identified addition there seems to be little the site identified in the workshop, lie in the SHLAA, the remaining sites in specific demand arising for social adjacent to the boundary of the various locations to the north and west housing from within the area since settlement rather than being physically of Little Aston ranging in size from 5 most people are in or were expecting separated from it, but all have in dwellings to over 300 dwellings. All of to be in, owner occupied dwellings. If common that they currently lie in the the sites, including the site identified in there is a social housing need arising Green Belt. the workshop, lie adjacent to the from within the Little Aston area it boundary of the settlement rather 16

than being physically separated from 86. Other than options for the policy. The present situation within this it, but all have in common that they extension of Little Aston into the green area is that there is little further currently lie in the Green Belt. belt, the remaining options for Little additional capacity that is likely to Aston would be to permit or allow for result from infill development if the ½ 84. The CABE report suggested that further infill development within the acre policy continues to be applied. there may be, “some limited scope Local Development Framework, or to The number of applications for this here (Little Aston) for ‘rounding’ the assume for the purposes of planning type of development has significantly outer edge of the conurbation with that there would be little by way of slowed, with the current emphasis limited additional housing within additional development. being on the replacement of dwellings, walking distance of this station” (Blake in particular bungalows with houses. Street). The 2010 SHLAA document Should the policy be lifted then there identifies two potential sites north of may be significant infill capacity Blake Street put forward by remaining, although this is difficult to landowners. These sites individually quantify without further study, which is have housing capacities of beyond the scope of this report. approximately 20 dwellings and 50 dwellings, although they are physically 88. Outside the ½ acre policy area separated from one another. Both within the reminder of the settlement would represent development to the boundary, development densities are rear of the frontage housing on the higher and therefore there is also likely north side of Blake Street. A ‘rounding to be little scope for infill development. off’ of the green belt in this location, as Visually important space looking suggested in the CABE report, would towards the church • Shenstone Parish Plan benefit from a different configuration 87. Little Aston has a long history of than simply the development of these 89. Shenstone Parish Council infill development and this has two sites independently. Although the prepared a Parish Plan in 2006, using contributed a significant number of sites would fulfill the criterion of being survey information gathered from new dwellings since the approval of within walking distance of the station, questionnaire responses and ‘road the West Midlands Green Belt. Since the sites also lie within the green belt. shows’. The Plan covers all three the adoption of the Lichfield District Wards of Shenstone, Stonnall and 85. The release of any of these Local Plan in 1996 much of the area Little Aston. The Parish council notes, potential additional housing where the densities are lowest and the “Uppermost in the minds of development options at Little Aston tree ‘canopy’ most significant has Councillors is the need to retain the would therefore need a significant been covered by a housing density character and charm of the existing decision to be made to amend green policy, requiring infill or redevelopment villages whilst recognising they are, belt boundaries in this location. to be in half acre plots. During this and will be, subject to the wider period there has continued to be infill development proposals from central development that conforms to this government, the regional Assembly 17

and the second and third tier local on existing shops to maintain their of the locations included within the development framework documents”. viability is also noted. On ‘The rural planning project where there Whilst the governance framework has Environment’, the Plan notes that the seemed to be a lack of consensus changed recently, the wider Parish Council is fully supportive of over several issues. ‘pressures’ still remain. recycling schemes and of seeking to extend opportunities in partnership 90. The Parish Plan is split into four with the District Council. In terms of ‘A sections, based upon the District Good Quality of Life’, the Plan notes Council’s Strategic Plan. In terms of ‘A the existing range of opportunities for Good Place to Live’ and the question leisure and cultural activities within the of growth, the Plan notes that many villages, but suggests that the local residents would support infill and provision of other facilities that will back land development in preference appeal to the younger section of the to any expansion of the existing population should be investigated with villages and consequent them. It also notes the restrictions encroachment into the green belt. imposed of leisure and cultural From data gathered it identifies activities by the lack of public Shops, Burnett Road pressure for affordable housing, transport. particularly in the rented sector, to 93. Top priorities from the initial prevent young people from being surveys and workshop were improvements to public transport, that forced out of the area and notes that D. Towards a Vision for the backland development may be the Little Aston needs a ‘heart’, such as Future only viable opportunity to provide somewhere to meet and that the some more modest housing which settlement needs a clearer identity. Summary and Observations on would be affordable to first time Only the last point however achieved ‘What You Said’: buyers. The Plan concludes that the solid agreement amongst those visiting the February workshop, whilst Council will look for opportunities to 92. The views expressed by Little support affordable housing to try to there were many who disagreed with Aston residents need to be considered the need for public transport retain those who wish to remain in the with some caution, since although the area. improvements. There was also no February workshop event was clear consensus on whether Little reasonably well attended (around 85 91. In relation to ‘A Thriving Economy’, Aston needed changes to create a people), returns from the initial the Plan states that the Parish council ‘heart’. questionnaire about issues within the will continue to support the retention of area and the numbers participating in existing local employment 94. On what people wanted for the the workshop discussions were both opportunities whilst seeking to mitigate future there was clear and strong relatively low. The results achieved any nuisance that may be caused by agreement about the desire for traffic also showed that Little Aston was one restrictions and improvements to having employment parks. Pressure 18

help movement on foot. On the other improving the things that are seen as principles and a vision for Little Aston hand many people disagreed with the impinging on the current quality of life. that could potentially guide the Local need for more local facilities such as development Framework being pubs and shops and more people 98. The divergent views expressed on prepared by the District Council and disagreed with the need for more some issues, however, create a future local actions. However the sports pitches than those who agreed. difficulty in drawing firm conclusions at suggestions are put forward as items present. Whilst there appears to be for further debate, with a view to 95. In the workshop session, one consensus on the desire for traffic seeking a wider range of local views. group identified the potential for a management and slowing speeds, and single housing site to meet a on improved footpaths and Conclusions on Housing perceived need for high quality recreational walking opportunities, Development Potential: ‘downsizing’ accommodation, whilst many of the other potential the same area was identified as ‘improvements’ that could be sought 100. As a housing location Little Aston appropriate as public access land. No for Little Aston over time appear to needs to be viewed in the context of further potential housing sites were have no general agreement. These its position on the edge of Sutton identified. include seeking new facilities located Coldfield, where there is a wide range to create a ‘heart’ for Little Aston, of facilities and employment 96. Despite the varying views which potentially could include a new opportunities. This ‘urban edge’ expressed about issues and the future village/community hall and a more position is also relevant to the for Little Aston it was clear that most comprehensive ‘community recreation consideration of opportunities to Little Aston residents share a view that area’. It also relates to the question of access a wider range of housing they like living there, because it offers public transport improvements. locally. Even though the range of them a high quality living environment, facilities within Little Aston itself is some local facilities and services and limited and the facilities are spread good access to facilities within the within different parts of the settlement, adjacent urban area. People Little Aston should be seen as a expressed views on perceived settlement that would potentially be a deficiencies on various aspects of sustainable location for some new living in Little Aston. development to contribute to meeting identified needs. 97. From the local perspective the future for Little Aston and a vision of 101. However the sustainability of the what it should be like as a place to live location has to be considered against in the future needs to be based around a range of other factors in assessing the clear desire to retain the present Village Hall notice board whether Little Aston should be character of the settlement and the identified within the Local ‘community ethic’ and the desire for 99. The concluding sections of this Development Framework as a location report suggest a set of guiding 19

that should expand over the next 20 103. National planning policy currently achieving a significant number of years. requires “exceptional circumstances” additional dwellings within Little Aston to be identified to justify any changes would be to remove the policy 102. As noted in the CABE report Little to green belt boundaries. In terms of requiring any housing development Aston is not really a village in the all the potential sites therefore there is within this area to be in ½ acre plots. traditional sense, but lies at the outer a question of whether there is any This policy has been successful in edge of a larger urban area. Little need for a scale of development within retaining the ‘leafy character’ valued Aston has a particularly significant the District that would amount to the by most residents and its removal location in terms of green belt and all ‘exceptional circumstances’ needed to could in the longer term significantly of the potential housing sites identified justify a change to the current Green erode that character. It is considered by the workshops or the development Belt boundaries in this location. therefore that it is essential to retain industry are in the green belt. Any the policy. development for housing on green belt 104. In the absence of a District sites adjacent to Little Aston would be housing requirement set by a statutory 106. The considerations discussed in effect an outward expansion of the strategic level of planning, or work that above lead to the conclusion that West Midlands conurbation. This clearly establishes housing needs despite Little Aston being a potentially would be directly contrary to a within the area, it is difficult to identify sustainable location for new housing fundamental purpose of the West the specific exceptional circumstances growth there are no acceptable Midlands green belt, since the main that would justify the significant green options that would lead to their being purpose in establishing the green belt belt boundary changes implied by the the capacity for a significant number of was to limit the extent of the release of sites that would in effect dwellings to contribute to District or conurbation and prevent its spread amount to allowing an outward local requirements. It is considered into open countryside. expansion of the West Midlands therefore that Little Aston should not conurbation and therefore such a be considered further in terms of being measure cannot be recommended. a ‘key’ settlement that could accommodate significant future 105. The only other option for Little housing growth. Aston in terms of contributing to future housing needs would be the 107. The suggested scale of growth continuation of infill development for Little Aston over the period of the within the current boundaries. It is Local Development Framework from clear that one of the fundamental 2010, based upon this assessment of characteristics of Little Aston is its options is summarised in the Table environmental quality, which is below. recognised by its residents and by the designation of the Conservation Area that covers a significant proportion of Local shops at the edge of Sutton Park the settlement. The only means of 20

Development Potential Current Status Environmental: deficiencies exist and in co-operation Type Capacity with others seek opportunities to • Maintain and enhance the create additional recreational footpath With planning 34 Infill sites present environmental quality of Little routes. permission Aston including the sylvan and leafy 1/4/10 character of the Conservation Area. • Protect important open spaces

Identified sites 3 SHLAA and views into and out of Little Aston • Continue to manage in village deliverable sites boundary development densities within the Little Social: Aston policy area. Redevelopment 0 • Enhance the range of facilities of brownfield • Maintain the architectural quality available to residents, in particular sites of the area in any new built those for children, including access to development, recognising the wide play facilities Greenfield 0 variety of individual architectural styles outside village and variations in the grain of development • Seek to concentrate improved boundary that exists across Little Aston social and recreational facilities, particularly for open recreation, on Suggested 37 • Maintain and renew the wooded land north of Little Aston Lane Housing character of the area by management Growth adjacent to the existing recreation of the existing tree cover and securing area. replanting where possible to reduce

the dominance of mature or over- • Renew or improve community Guiding Principles: mature trees in favour of more young hall facilities to meet local and semi mature trees. requirements 108. Taking into account the range of • community views expressed, and other Improve the environmental • Seek opportunities to improve relevant considerations contained quality along main routes through Little local bus services and facilities, principally in evidence prepared for the Aston by traffic management including in particular bus access to Local Development Framework, it is measures to control in particular the Blake Street station and additional bus considered that the following Guiding speed of traffic and improving stops. Principles for Little Aston should be the pedestrian and cycling facilities. subject of further discussion with the local (potentially including measures such Housing: community and stakeholders. as reduced speed limits and pedestrian crossing points). • Ensure the achievement of a high quality of design, in any housing • Secure an improved quality of development consistent with village access to the countryside where character and grain and, in locations 21

affecting the Conservation Area, The range of shops, services and Next Steps: ensuring a positive contribution to its facilities will be maintained and quality. enhanced and higher priority given 112. This village report is intended to to the needs of pedestrians and be of use by the community itself as Economic: cyclists. well as by Lichfield District Council as local planning authority. All community • Maintain the local shopping Community recreation, social and involvement exercises normally centres, ensuring that they continue to play facilities will be renewed to be achieve access to only a limited provide a range of convenience and of a physical form, distribution and number of members of any other retail needs that provide for the quality appropriate to current community. Whilst for Little Aston everyday needs of local people. needs. there have been a number of events where participation has been achieved A Draft Vision for Little Aston: New housing development in Little and this report is based upon the Aston should be limited to the views expressed, it is recognised that 109. For the purposes of guiding the replacement of existing properties these contributions were fairly limited direction of future policy for the village, within the limits of the settlement in terms of the number of people in particular through the Local and infill development at densities directly contributing and therefore Development Framework, appropriate to the character of the further consultation is desirable. consideration should be given to a area. Vision statement for the village. The 113. Next steps in the process should following initial statement is suggested Other Recommendations for therefore seek more local community as a basis for further local discussion: Little Aston: input. This should be designed to achieve a feedback of the results of Little Aston will maintain its role as 110. The open land fronting St. Peter’s the process so far to a wider a distinct and stable community Church and identified as important to community. Secondly it should seek to offering a high quality local living the Conservation Area within both the achieve further consultation, environment and a range of local Conservation Area Appraisal and the particularly on the Guiding Principles services and facilities. The Conservation Area Management Plan, and Draft Vision that have been essential qualities of the should be removed from the SHLAA, suggested above, but also on the Conservation Area will be since it is unsuitable for development views expressed in relation to housing. recognised in all potential change. in the long term. Improvements to the Conservation Area will be made where resources 111. In order to consider the potential allow, in particular to maintain and for traffic management within the renew tree cover and to achieve a settlement consultation needs to take more cohesive and integrated place with the County Council as physical environment. transportation authority and with bus operators. 22

LITTLE ASTON

APPENDIX:

1. 2001 Census Social Profile for Little Aston 2. Local Views given during ‘Rural Masterplanning’ Project 3. Plan Showing of ‘Evolution’ of Little Aston 4. Identified Housing Potential 2010 and Plan from 2010 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment

Lichfield District Rural Planning Project Lichfield District Council September 2011

Appendix 2: Local Views given during ‘Rural Masterplanning’ Project Little Aston: Other thoughts from Workshops 2011: (Individual transcriptions from post-it notes made by workshop visitors)

Location: Little Aston Category/Type of comment Comment made *Additional comment made by others

General comments about Little Aston With a WS9 postcode we do not get information about Little Aston development posted to us. Involve the residents when reviewing the Conservation Area I feel it’s important to the character of Lichfield District that the outlook of outlying villages doesn’t change appearance to enhance the richness of the District Lack of congruity in postcodes – we live in Mill Lane Little Aston (street sign), but our postal address is Walsall with a WS9 postcode We lose the identity of living in Little Aston village because our postal address only shows Aldridge, Walsall. We would like this to change so that Little Aston Staffordshire is our address We pay high rates to Lichfield – but do not receive a very efficient emergency services – we waited 2 hours for the police to arrive from Stafford! Although we live in Little Aston our postcode brings up Aldridge, Walsall. All very confusing for deliveries etc. We live in Lichfield rating area – why has Lichfield a ‘WS’ postcode – surely a city should have its own postcode! Environment I feel it is really important to protect the ‘green’ areas and trees within the area, it is important to the character of the village. Wild flowers, or any flowers would be nice in the recreation field and more trees planted in the field near the Walsall Road end Greenery needs to be protected

Development views - general

Traffic and traffic management Parked traffic at school time needs addressing urgently Traffic calming measures and 30 mph speed limit to be imposed in Mill Lane Reduce speed limit on Aldridge Road from 40 mph to 30 mph. Curve of road is dangerous with houses on convex curve Reduce the speed limit on Blake Street to 30 mph for its whole length Road surface is very poor and needs re-doing on a very regular basis and is very noisy. Walsall Road Four Oaks surface is much better quality and quieter. Reduction of speed on all main roads. Speed restrictions within the Little Aston area. – 30 mph along Little Aston Lane but frequently 60 mph or more being done Appalling road surfaces Reduce speed limit of A454 from 40 mph to 30 mph and enforce Traffic calming (not sleeping policemen) along Aldridge Road/Little Aston Road.

Public transport Bus stop required on road towards Mere Green/Sutton outside entrance to BUPA/Spite hospital (number 6 route) for use by patients and Little Aston residents Public transport is too expensive – cheaper to use my car! Getting about the village - walking/cycling A path to connect Little Aston Lane to Forge Lane is possible through the recreation ground Footpaths too narrow along Aldridge Rd (A454). Large lorries and buses make walking dangerous. + bus stop placed on narrowest point of footpath, traffic too fast. Vans park on footpath and block walking Pedestrian access to recreation ground from Little Aston Lane (needed) Village facilities Appreciate pillar box from post office for Little Aston apartments – (ref. is to Little Aston Hall)

We currently have no doctors in Little Aston A Little Aston Community Hall development. The existing Parish Hall is past its ‘sell by date’ Questions re:- somewhere to meet, and provide a formal sport and recreation (ground?) - 2 questions in fact!! Definitely need an up to date Community Centre Would like broadband for Internet Housing We would not wish to see a ‘housing estate’ in the area – loss of green space and village ‘feel’. It will just become a suburb of Sutton/Birmingham Behind 62 Blake Street there is land which has potential. It is near Blake Street station and near good transport links. When LDC granted planning permission for housing on the cricket ground in Lichfield a very large problem occurred over schools and doctors No further back garden developments. No further inappropriate style building (as appears in Hardwick Road at corner of Burnett Road – (what were the planners thinking?) Avoid building on green belt (as proposed in the SHLAA) Note: Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) No social housing – I have been there. It does not work. There is no need for social housing Land behind 63 – 62 Blake Street, is it in consideration for planning: good transport – station nearby. Could incorporate shops Note: * Column refers to comments written on or attached to an original post-it comment Priorities and Issues Results from 2011 Events: Little Aston

Your top priorities Agree Disagree

You said you want improvements in public transport, as it is 8 10 currently insufficient. You felt Little Aston needs a ‘heart’ e.g. somewhere to meet, 12 8 and provide formal sport and recreation. You said Little Aston needs a clearer identity, and existing 28 0 features which provide its current identity, must be protected.

Community activities and facilities

You told us that there is a good range of activities and events 12 1 for local people within the community. You said there are a varied range of established businesses 9 2 which employ local people. You don’t think the range of facilities offered currently is good 4 14 enough, but there are good play facilities for children. You said you want more sports pitches (including cricket) and 3 14 a recreation ground.

Transport You said only a small number of people use public transport, 17 4 mostly the train into Sutton and Birmingham for work, school and shopping. Most of you said you don’t use public transport because it is 4 12 too expensive and infrequent. You said that speeding traffic is a problem and needs to be 36 1 addressed. You said there was a desire to encourage walking throughout 16 0 the village, especially a ‘walking bus’ to school, and opening up more links. You said transport links are restricted by gated communities. 2 17

Housing You said Little Aston is an area where people aspire to live and 36 0 this character needs to be maintained. You want there to be smaller properties to allow people to 10 10 downsize without moving away.

Environment & Communication Some of you said you experienced slow broadband speeds and 25 1 patchy mobile phone reception. You said Little Aston was not really a ‘village’ but is still a 28 1 distinct community and needs to be treated as such. You said that gated communities are insular and shut people 3 23 out. They don’t enhance the wider community. You said a major problem is the village lacks a ‘heart’ or focus. 14 11

What you want in the future You said you would like to see traffic restrictions and 33 0 enforcement to reduce speeding vehicles. You said you would like to see more local facilities (e.g. pub 7 19 and small shops). Some of you want to see public transport improvements, 16 5 especially bus access to Lichfield, Sutton and Birmingham. You said you want footpath and road improvements to 25 3 encourage pedestrian transport (including Walking Bus to the school). Some of you said you wanted to see new sports pitches and 3 16 recreation areas within the village.

Note on Workshops Plans.

Introduction: The Little Aston event was held on the 16th February 2011. Following the presentation by CABE those attending formed three separate workshop groups that considered village issues and annotated separate plans with their thoughts and ideas. The following Table identifies the matters discussed by the groups and included on plans or notes attached to them. They have been put into categories that reflect the main issues considered to affect the village and views on future development. In some cases the distinctions made are blurred, since discussions tended to cross the topics. The table tries to identify where a matter picked up by one group is related to one identified by another group (shown as ----). It is intended that this will eventually be able to be read alongside a plan of the village illustrating the group’s discussions.

*CABE: Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment

Group 1 Group 2

General description There are several ‘Districts’ within Little Aston - areas having similar characteristics within them Little Aston is not a village although it has a strong community ‘ethic’, but no focal point Bus routes pass through, the no.6 Sutton to Walsall and the Burton to Birmingham bus A football/hockey pitch at Chester Rd./Mill Green

Valuable or defining characteristics Maintain and improve the shops Maintain and improve the shops Important to maintain the current tree type/density

Issues No bus to Blake Street station

Need safer routes for children walking to school

Keep open the views northwards from Little Aston La. ------Protect views over the field from the church looking north ------ Village Hall ------ Village Hall Need more parking for shops by Burnett Rd.

Potential for: A community recreation ‘zone’ extending existing recreation area. Improve access across recreation area with footpath from Little Could include allotments and a village hall ------Aston La. to Forge La. ------ Rights of way across land adjacent to the hospital ------Few routes for walkers and cyclists. General area north of Little ------ Aston La. – golf course and farm land as possible area for better facilities A railway station - shown in Hardwick Rd/Talbot Ave. area Quality ‘downsizing’ accommodation on land adjacent to hospital A 3rd golf course west of the settlement between rail line and Little Aston Small business uses alongside shopping centre (Little Aston Lane)

Evolution of Little Aston

d Aldridge Roa Little Aston Hall Church Little Aston Hospital

d a o R

n W a a l m sa o ll R R o a d Key Train Lines Conservation Areas d a Mixed Ages o R l il Pre 1900 H ry 1910 a m e 1920s s o R 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s Streetly Lane 1980s 1990s 2000s Hardw ad ick Ro Employment Water Features District Boundary Reproduced from The Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Offices (C) Crown Copyright : License No 100017765 Dated 2010 Appendix 4

Development Potential within Little Aston 2006 – 2026

Site reference Location Status No. dwellings No. Affordable Completions 2006- Mar 2010 03/00169/REM 41, Walsall Road Complete 1 02/01318 The Croft, Roman Road Complete 1 04/00856 28, Newick Road Complete 1 00/0870 Longmoor, Little Aston Complete 1 07/00272/FUL Coppice, Roman Road Complete 1 03/01334 Beechwood, Roman Road Complete 1 05/00841/FUL 162, Aldridge Road Complete 1 00/00121 2, Alderhythe Grove Complete 1 Sub Total 8

With Planning Permission @1/4/10 07/01155/FUL179 The Thorns, 5 Roman Park 2 09/00638/FUL 19, Squirrel Walk 1 08/00444/FUL Roman Road, Roman Way 1 10/00700/FUL 236 6a, Newick Road 1 09/01081/FUL 47, Little Aston Lane 2 09/00169/FUL 220 High Beeches, Roman Road 1 08/00517/FULM 574 36, Little Aston Park Road 12 09/00426/FUL 31, Hardwick Road 1 06/00304/FUL 211 Gablewood, 16, Squirrel Walk 1 03/01391/FUL& Land adj. to Cornerways 1 05/00547/FUL 203 09/00749/OUT 620 Roman Lane, Melbourne House 2 03/00153/FUL 338 The Garth, Roman Road 1 10/00108/FUL 23, Newick Ave 1 09/01013/FUL 623 Little Aston Park Road, Mallory 1 08/01359/FUL 35, Hardwick Road 1 08/00521/FUL 160 Land adj. Brockton House 4 08/01116/FUL Beech Gate,3, Little Aston 1 Sub Total 34

Deliverable and within Village Boundary 04/00860/FUL 266 The Grove,14 1 09/01081/FUL 628 47, Little Aston Lane 2 Sub Total 3

Developable and within Village Boundary

Sub Total 0 Development Potential 2006 – 2026 within Village Boundary Completed 06/10 80 With planning permission 04/10 34 0 Deliverable 30 Developable 00 Total 45 0

358 29 661

223 665

14

628 562 645 642 266 137 390

211

Lichfield District Council 432 Lichfield District Council

340

620 179

383 339 493 341 380

236 202 SHLAA Assessment Sites by Deliverability 338 Little Aston 220 Legend NOT TO SCALE Complete 203 Lichfield District Council 265 Deliverable 160 623 574 Developable Not Currently Developable Lichfield District Council Settlement Boundaries Reproduced from The Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Offices No decision has been taken to allocate these sites. The inclusion of any site in this assessment (C) Crown Copyright : License No 100017765 Dated April 2010 does not indicate that it will be allocated or successfully obtain permission for housing.