Lichfield District FAZELEY Rural Planning MILE OAK

Project BONEHILL

A. WHAT YOU SAID

B. WHAT C.A.B.E. SAID

C. OTHER EVIDENCE RELEVANT TO PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF FAZELEY 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: workshop event said that they valued the poor maintenance of shops, of both the countryside and the canal. spaces and a proliferation of signage. 1. The following paragraphs summarise the main outcomes from the rural planning project in terms of the views gathered, principally from residents of the village, between July 2010 and February 2011. The original analyses on which this summary is based are included as Appendix 2. Views and ideas arising from the February 2011 workshop event are illustrated on the accompanying Composite Plan of Workshop Ideas. Reindeer Road Houses on Coleshill Street: scaffolding • Character and environment 4. Although many people There is a strong and widely held local acknowledged the history of Fazeley view that cumulatively these issues 2. The size, linear form and historic as part of its environment, its historic are significantly reducing the development of the present village buildings and the canals, most people environmental quality of the area. from a number of settlements were had issues with the quality of the Coleshill Street and other streets in recognised as impacting upon today’s environment as it is at present. the centre of Fazeley are particularly character and environment. People affected. Some people recognised visiting the events identified several 5. There are several buildings which maintenance cost as an issue but different communities within the whole are damaged or in a poor state of considered it should have been and many raised the difficulty of repair, including fire damage to addressed when funding recent integrating the mix of communities as Bonehill Mill and Fazeley garage. environmental schemes. an issue. These buildings are scaffolded and two of the buildings, along Coleshill 6. Some residents are concerned at 3. Notwithstanding this, people living Street and Lichfield Street, have been what is viewed as a poor standard of in the Fazeley, Mile Oak, Bonehill area scaffolded for a number of years. care and maintenance within a value the environment they have, People viewed these as giving the Conservation Area. A number of including the ease of access to the area the appearance of being derelict. people identified that a lack of trees countryside, the relative peacefulness In addition some areas, in particular and other planting contributed to and a feeling of safety resulting from a within Fazeley, are suffering from reducing the environmental quality of low level of crime. Many said that damage or poor maintenance to street the area. This was further impacted there was an atmosphere of a village. furniture and from issues such as litter, upon at times by traffic, including Children who visited the February queues sometimes arising related to 2

visitors to Drayton Manor Park and workshops included the lack of a the District Council offices. It was also traffic accessing Ventura Park, central focus for the community. Some noted that there were currently no bus Tamworth. raised this as an issue and asked services along Coleshill Street. whether new play and community 7. At the February workshop there was facilities located centrally could help to 11. There was some consensus great concern expressed at the address the problem. Some identified amongst those taking part that more general quality and care for the making better use of the square as a traffic management should be a environment of Fazeley/Mile Oak, but means of focussing community priority. The objectives of this should in particular the central part of activity, but others identified lack of be to reduce speed and the level of Fazeley. A need to significantly parking as an issue, which gives rise heavy vehicle movement, and to improve the environmental quality of to a conflict unless it can be facilitate better pedestrian movement, this area was seen as a priority, addressed elsewhere. both within the centre of Fazeley and including a general need for ‘tidying also along the former A5, particularly up’, for environmental improvements, 9. Although people recognised the crossings to access public transport. and for more planting – there were relationship of Fazeley to Tamworth, several suggestions for this, ranging many were concerned at the need to 12. Visitors to the events made from a tree avenue stretching from maintain the physical separation from several traffic management Fazeley to Mile Oak – a ‘mile of oaks’ Tamworth where it still exists. They suggestions. These included reducing (a point picked up in the CABE report), therefore wanted to see no spread of the speed limit on the former A5 from to flower planters/hanging baskets development into these areas, but also 40 mph to 30 mph at Mile Oak and within the streets around Fazeley wished to see better access to them introducing a weight limit on this road, centre. by improving walking and cycling introducing more crossings and routes. creating a cycle route along the north side of the former A5 from Fazeley to • Transport and traffic Mile Oak. A series of mini- management roundabouts at the road junctions along Sutton Road were suggested 10. Many people were happy with along with more parking within public transport links from Fazeley to Fazeley centre. Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham although some 13. Some people noted that there commented that they were too were several footpaths or alleyways expensive. Several people providing connecting links that were commented that the lack of a direct closed, which, if opened would allow Coleshill Street bus service to Lichfield did not help better connections and play a role in with the identity of Fazeley as part of improving the linkages between the 8. Another environmental issue arising Lichfield District, nor did it help with different parts of the community, through the consultations and reaching some services – for example combined with more crossings of 3

major roads. The improvement of the • Community activities and improvement of the Mile Oak play footpath/cycleway route from Bonehill facilities area. to the canal, for access to Tamworth, was specifically identified. 15. In the initial consultations (2010) 17. Some Bonehill residents said that people identified the range of shops, Bonehill lacked facilities, although services and facilities available there was no particular strong call amongst things they liked about living emerging as to whether facilities there in Fazeley/Mile Oak. This was also would be generally what people related to the good access to the town wanted. There was one suggestion centre and other facilities in Tamworth. that the field lying between Bonehill and Lichfield Street should be used as an ‘events park’. This may have been related to the issue of whether there was a need or desire to strengthen Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill as a strong community with a single Fazeley ‘crossroads’ identity. There was some discussion in the event and workshop about 14. Issues related to the highway whether more centrally located play network were identified by some. and community facilities would create These included Mile Oak crossroads, more of a sense of community. where some thought that the introduction of a right filter lane out of Local shops, Mile Oak 18. Others mentioned a lack of Tamworth towards Hints would help, facilities for the elderly, that there 16. During the course of the whilst others suggested its conversion should be a local library and that there consultations differing views emerged from traffic lights to a roundabout. was a shortage of pubs. Others identified issues on the A5 about the range and quality of trunk road network, suggesting that facilities. The shortage of facilities for 19. Generally people wanted to see the ‘tight’ exit eastbound towards Mile teenagers was highlighted as a more facilities and at the workshops Oak was dangerous whilst one person particular concern, along with play widening the range of uses in or near suggested a new westbound slip road facilities for children. A number of to Fazeley centre seemed to be a could be constructed to allow traffic to suggestions were made including theme highlighted. Suggestions arising access Hints without the need to pass provision for skateboarding and BMX included a ‘tea room’, café/coffee through Mile Oak crossroads. and a desire for more and better shop, that would accommodate both quality play and open spaces. There local and tourist trade. The vacant were individual ‘calls’ for the use of Methodist Church was a suggested ‘waste land’ to provide for children’s location for the latter. One suggestion facilities, for a library and for the was that Fazeley should have a canal4

and mill museum that would be an to meet needs locally. At the February settlement to accommodate District- additional attraction for the area. workshops event the ‘post-it’ wide housing need. While there was responses showed 20 comments no desire expressed for any significant 20. The cost of activities and facilities indicating that there was a good local housing development, where the was raised as an issue by a number of choice and only 1 resident disagreed possibility of more housing people, suggesting that this may be a with this view. During the workshop development was acknowledged, significant factor limiting access by sessions there was no recorded brownfield sites were flagged up as some residents to certain facilities. mention of affordable housing. the most acceptable options and it One suggestion was made that the However within the exercise overall, was felt that these should be used District Council should negotiate with including the February event, some first. Tamworth Borough for subsidised people raised concerns about certain rates for Fazeley residents using aspects of local housing provision. facilities within Tamworth. The more These included limited social housing commonly raised complaint was that choice and elderly accommodation. the Council Tax paid to Lichfield Some thought that some larger sized District should provide more benefits social housing was needed. In the to Fazeley residents in terms of local earlier consultations the need for wider leisure activities. social housing choice was not agreed by most, but there was greater support for specialist housing for the elderly.

22. In terms of future housing development there was general Green Belt between Bonehill and support for restricting the spread of Tamworth development into open countryside 24. A number of suggestions were and avoiding encroachment on the made for redevelopment options. Green Belt. All of the workshop groups These included a mixed-use took this view. A great concern was redevelopment and refurbishment of the prospect of being physically linked Tolson’s Mill and re-use of Bonehill to Tamworth to a greater degree than Mill and the Methodist Chapel. Some Drayton Manor Cricket and Social Club the current situation. This was seen as suggested that some infill housing was a threat to the separate identity of the • Development and housing needed, perhaps to join up existing Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill area. areas, rather than extending into the 21. No clear view has emerged from 23. Most people took the view that countryside. the rural ‘masterplanning’ process so there should be no major changes to far on whether local people consider 25. Other than a fear of being the settlement and there were two there to be a good choice of housing completely joined up to the Tamworth expressions of support for a new 5

built-up area, the common ‘fear’ • Parish Plan developing any green belt so as to arising from new development was the physically link with Tamworth. impact of new development on 28. It is understood that Fazeley Town infrastructure. The ‘saturation’ of Council has prepared a Town Plan, existing facilities and the traffic issues but at present there has not been the at Fazeley ‘crossroads’ were pointed opportunity to consider this. A number to in support of this view. of the issues that were raised through the rural planning project could be • Other Issues matters for inclusion within a Town Plan. 26. Many people agreed that there was a range of businesses within • What you want for the future Fazeley/Mile Oak that served the local community. These are concentrated 29. High amongst the priorities of local within Fazeley, but with some also at residents was a better quality Mile Oak. A suggestion was made that environment. Issues that needed an employment site for small scale addressing within this context were businesses and start-up units could be identified as a need to clean and tidy developed to the rear of the Mercedes up Fazeley and a need to repair and garage at Mile Oak. renovate the physical environment and Parking area, Coleshill Street buildings, as discussed above. This was associated with better long-term 31. One frequent theme in relation to maintenance, which related to spaces, the future was better facilities for equipment (e.g. play areas), street younger people, including better play furniture and the buildings themselves. facilities. This is potentially linked to a The environmental issue also related view amongst some that there is a to traffic and a desire for more traffic need for better integration of the parts management, particularly to control of the community, both in a physical speed, access and HGV’s. and a social sense. A suggestion of more central facilities to help social 30. Also identified as a high priority for integration was made, although it is not certain to what extend this is a Local businesses, Fazeley the future was the issue of maintaining a separate identity for the settlement commonly held view. In a physical 27. The effectiveness and availability and this was related particularly to not sense, improved traffic management, of policing within the area was raised extending the limits of the settlement more cycleway provision and tree as an issue by a number of people. into the countryside and not planting were seen by some as being able to contribute towards better 6

integrated communities. The practicality of some of the ideas put forward, such as creating a ‘mile of oaks’, would need testing.

Shops and services at Fazeley centre

32. Whilst development restraint was the significant message from the community that were involved in the participation events, there was a limited call for some types of specialist or social housing, including larger affordable rented accommodation and addressing the needs of the elderly.

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B. What CABE said and redevelopment opportunities the locality it seems right to give and drawing these together into a the highest priority to consolidating 33. The independent event enabler coherent and welcoming place. The within the existing settlements.” need for this was emphasized by sponsored by CABE reported his views on all six villages covered by the local people, as was the related ‘rural masterplanning’ project to the interconnection to the canalside as District Council in April 2011. The a living and working frontage. content of his report relating Through Fazeley and further along specifically to Fazeley, Mile Oak and the old A5 there are opportunities to Bonehill is set out below. reshape the highway so it becomes “FAZELEY, MILE OAK AND a ‘local street’ now that the BONEHILL strategic role is taken by the new dual carriageway further north.

I liked the workshop suggestion of As the name implies this settlement restoring the ‘Mile of Oaks’ that Development under construction, the comprises 3 (or more) elements generated the original name of Mile Boathouse, Fazeley Oak. This might provide a practical which have merged, linked by the old A5. Fazeley adjoins Tamworth and symbolic ‘spine’ linking the to the North and the Drayton Manor whole settlement together as part of Park/ Industrial estate to the South, upgrading the old A5 for so physical and economic pedestrians and cyclists. interactions across parish and Modern employment uses will be district council are very evident. important within the restoration of As at Armitage with Handacre the the heart of Fazeley and the key issue for this settlement is to workshop also identified scope at reinforce the sense of a single Mile Oak (vicinity of Mercedes community with a stronger physical Garage) for small scale local focus, whilst continuing to economic development adjacent to recognize that there are distinct the new A5 junction but readily localities playing different roles accessible to the ‘Mile of Oaks’ within the whole. corridor for local access on foot or bike. Attention to restoring and revitalising the historic heart of The importance of the green belt Fazeley will be vital to this, making was stressed by local residents and the most of related refurbishment given the history of urban sprawl in 8

C. Other Evidence Relevant to significantly detracting from its quality Other methods, such as through planning for the future of as a Conservation Area. community group or voluntary actions Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill could potentially address some of the issues of concern to residents, such • Character and Environment as the ‘tidying up’ or ‘hanging basket’ suggestions made by visitors to the 34. Many of the concerns expressed events. by people responding to questionnaires or participating in the rural planning events were about the quality of the environment, particularly in terms of the standard of maintenance of the streets, street furniture and buildings. This was A terrace on Lichfield Street especially regarded as a problem around the centre of Fazeley. 36. Financial resources will be needed

to resolve many of the issues that 35. The visual evidence is clear that residents are currently so concerned the part of Fazeley around the about. In terms of the repair and Junction of the Fazeley and Coventry crossroads suffers from the issues renovation of damaged or neglected canals identified by the residents. The buildings, the financial responsibility 37. There are two designated location remains a busy crossroads rests with individual property owners, Conservation Areas in the Fazeley despite the construction of the A5 although the District Council has Mile Oak and Bonehill area, the bypass, however many of the factors indicated through its Conservation Fazeley Conservation Area and the that detract from the quality of the Area Management Plan (see below) Bonehill Conservation Area. Both were environment are about surface that it will work with landowners to designated in the early 1990’s. The treatments, proliferation of signs and seek resources including grant aid. area was designated essentially street furniture, extensive physical Other needed improvements, such as because it represents a remarkably barriers to pedestrian movement with ‘street scene’ enhancements, would intact industrial community of the different designs and finishes, poor generally need to be funded through period 1790 to 1850 associated with maintenance of surfaces and public local authority improvement the Peel family and related to spaces. The area as a whole appears programmes, where resources are developing water power systems for a uncoordinated, cluttered and scarce at the present time. Finance is milling industry. Bonehill is an historic haphazard in appearance, clearly most likely to be found through the use hamlet that is an important remnant of contrary to any environmental of funding arising from developer the area’s agricultural past. A Plan objectives for the area and contributions for social and community showing the general evolution of provision although this may be limited. 9

Fazeley Mile Oak and Bonehill in the railings, all of which should be
Controlling advertisements modern period is included as reviewed. Appendix 3.
Seeking to carry out ‘public 41. Many of the proposals in the realm’ enhancement schemes 38. It is concerning to conservation Management Plan will mean working interests, as well as the environment with a range of organizations and
Working with the County Council for day-to-day life, that such property owners to establish funding to seek ways to minimize the volume environmental issues exist in the area. and develop schemes. of traffic and its impact on the This is especially so as there is a Conservation Area. higher proportion of buildings that are 42. The principal management seen as at risk within the area than is proposals are: 43. The Management Plan will the case in other Conservation Areas strengthen the ability of the District within Lichfield District.
Various small extensions to the Council to positively manage and Conservation Area that will extend guide development within the 39. With the designation of conservation control Conservation Area and, as finances Conservation Areas comes a permit, to encourage works to responsibility for the Local Authority to
Achieving the repair and long enhance its character. It will require preserve and enhance the area and so term re-use of a number of identified working with a range of agencies, the issues identified by the public are ‘buildings at risk’ particularly to identify and secure directly relevant to this responsibility. funding from grant aid and other The District Council has recently
Raising awareness and sources. consulted upon a new Conservation understanding of the Conservation Area Appraisal covering both Area and working with others on designated Areas and a draft projects to repair historic buildings and Conservation Area Management Plan. replace lost architectural features A full description of the Area is found (such as walls) in that document, but it contains management proposals that will help
Adding extra controls on changes to tackle some of the environmental to buildings and structures issues that are of so much concern to the public.
Managing trees within the Conservation Area 40. One of the issues identified in the Conservation Area Appraisal is the
Improving the design of Bourne Brook from Drayton Manor considerable amount of visual clutter shopfronts where they are to be Drive in the area, resulting from a changed proliferation of signing, from 44. An Ecological Study of Lichfield uncoordinated street furniture and District (2009 by Staffordshire 10

Ecological Services) has examined the These have mainly related to floods for residents of Fazeley, Mile Oak and area around Bonehill to consider during extreme rainfall events in the Bonehill, to Tamworth town centre, whether areas containing important Fazeley/Brook End area, from the employment areas and to other habitat would be affected if any River Tame, Bourne Brook and the centres. development took place. An area canal and have affected both south of Bonehill Bridge (canal bridge highways and properties. 895 47. As a result of the availability of east of Bonehill) is a small Site of properties within the area were grant funding for Fazeley centre, and Biological Importance (SBI) adjacent identified as at risk in the Management following the de-trunking of the former to the canal. SBI’s are designated by Plan. It noted that several A5, there has been some past an expert panel from within the development sites would need investment in traffic management in County. These are grassland and individual investigation and that the area. This included in particular swamp areas and the report identifies historic flooding events needed further the scheme that re-designed the an area of broadleaved woodland to investigation as part of a phase 2 roundabout at Fazeley crossroads and the north that may be worthy of adding Surface Water Management Plan. was related to environmental to the SBI. These areas are a improvements. A cyclepath was relatively small proportion of the land • Transport created with a route out of Tamworth lying between Bonehill and the canal to Drayton Manor, and controlled and do not in themselves rule out the 46. Fazele, Mile Oak and Bonehill lie crossings put in place. Along the consideration of the area for astride the former route of the A5, former A5 some minor improvements development. The advice in the report historically the Watling Street Roman were carried out. is that in the case of development they Road. Fundamental to the structure of should be protected and perhaps the area are two other inter-urban incorporated into ‘green infrastructure’. roads emanating from Tamworth, the A453 route to Sutton Coldfield, and 45. Parts of Fazeley were amongst the A4091 route towards Birmingham, those areas within Lichfield District which intersects the former A5 to form most affected by flooding in the the Fazeley ‘crossroads’. Although the summer floods of 2007. During the area has been bypassed in an east- course of the consultation the issue of west direction by the new route of the flooding was raised on a number of A5 and traffic volumes on its former occasions as a continuing local route have reduced, the usefulness of concern. A Surface Water the ‘old’ A5 route for local traffic and Management Plan was prepared for the connections to/from Birmingham Traffic at Fazeley ‘crossroads’ Southern Staffordshire in 2010 and and Sutton Coldfield mean that there 48. The feedback from this forms part of the evidence base for the are significant levels of traffic in the consultation process shows that Local Development Framework. It area, particularly at peak periods. In people consider that traffic still has a identified a cluster of historic flooding terms of its general location, the road significant detrimental effect on the occurrences within the Fazeley area. network provides good access by road 11

local environment and there is a view comparison of ward accessibility. In that more could be done to traffic calm terms of overall accessibility, parts of the area. This is a complex issue in Fazeley were the most accessible of this area because of the number of the rural settlements overall, although traffic destinations within or on the their levels of accessibility were below edge of Fazeley and the through those enjoyed in most of Lichfield and routes. More work would need to be Burntwood. The Study showed done to establish the effectiveness of however through the ‘composite additional measures, such as scores’ that Fazeley Ward had similar additional pedestrian crossings of the levels of overall accessibility to some former A5. Some measures that would of the suburban parts of Lichfield and appear to have some local support, Mile Oak Community Centre Burntwood. In general therefore the however, such as reducing the 40 mph Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill area speed limit along this route, would be 50. Although the study showed a good experiences relatively short journey level of accessibility to facilities relatively low cost. times to access services and facilities. available within the village, including 49. A Transport Accessibility Study for the two primary schools and doctors, it 52. Staffordshire County Council is Lichfield District prepared in 2008 also showed levels of access to currently progressing a Lichfield considered accessibility of settlements employment as being good in the District Integrated Transport Strategy to employment, education, healthcare context of Lichfield District as a whole, for the period 2011 to 2026. Whilst this and shopping (supermarkets). It ranked in the top quartile of Wards will have some emphasis on the examined accessibility at the village alongside a number of Lichfield infrastructure necessary to promote level and for individual areas within Wards. Access to supermarkets did movement by more sustainable villages. It also produced composite not score as highly as employment, transport measures, and to ‘scores’ for public transport or walking but was also relatively good. Public accommodate growth, it also accessibility for each ward in the transport access to other services or recognises that the needs of local District. Since the study results were facilities, such as secondary schools, neighbourhoods is one of the transport based upon dividing the ward scores colleges and hospitals was better than challenges that needs to be met. This into quartiles, this gave a measure of for many other rural settlements in the includes maintaining the current relative accessibility of wards within District, in the main due to the condition and safety of the highway the District. closeness of Fazeley to Tamworth. network, improving accessibility and the quality of life in local communities 51. The study considered the overall and providing adequate public accessibility of wards within Lichfield transport access to local services and District by combining the scores on facilities. access to all of the services and facilities considered. This calculation 53. There are scarce resources for of ‘composite scores’ produced a transport management, reinforced by12

the present economic situation within • Community Facilities and shortfall in pitch availability of any central and local government. There Activities individual Ward within Lichfield are currently no specific measures District. identified for the Fazeley area. 55. A Playing Pitch Assessment However, the Integrated Transport (2007) and an Open Space Strategy identifies potential projects Assessment (2008/9) have both been such as 20 mph zones, a speed limit prepared as evidence for the Local review, bus service information, and Development Framework. These pedestrian safety priorities, as provide information to enable approaches that could tapped into to recreation provision to be considered achieve local ambitions. Such for Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill. initiatives will be largely funded by County Council capital and revenue 56. The Playing Pitch Assessment funds, (including Councillor’s revenue considered the settlement as part of a funds) and influenced by community ‘Rural South’ area of Lichfield District, consultation. It will be important for (encompassing Shenstone, Stonnall, communities to be aware of future Little Aston, Fazeley and Bourne Vale programmes and funding mechanisms wards) and also at the Ward level. and the opportunity to influence them. Part of the background to the playing pitch assessment is a trend for less Play equipment, Mile Oak community 54. A direct public transport service to use of adult football pitches, but centre Lichfield was seen by some as an increased participation by younger age important missing element to public groups. The Study considered future 58. Considering the future at the sub- transport routes available within the trends and took account of various area level, including population Fazeley area and viewed as an programmes to increase participation changes and predicted participation in isolating factor in terms of its in sport and used these to forecast the sport, the study predicted that for ‘integration’ within Lichfield District. It need for playing pitches at 2021. Lichfield ‘Rural South’ the shortfalls in is not clear whether the viability of junior football, mini-soccer and cricket such a service has ever been 57. Overall the study found a current pitches would all increase by 2021. assessed. If the County Council surplus of adult football pitches in Much of the under-supply in the ‘rural continues with the subsidisation of Lichfield Rural South area of some 8.4 south’ area is within Fazeley and the supporting bus services the idea pitches, but shortfalls in junior football, study notes that the provision of new would need to be raised and assessed mini-soccer and cricket. For Fazeley pitches is the only way to meet the through the County Council ward however, it found a shortfall in deficiency because there are processes. junior soccer of 4.6 pitches and in insufficient school pitches for mini-soccer of 4.0 pitches, so that community use agreements to make overall there is a shortage of 8.6 pitches. This represents the largest 13

up the deficiency. people, compared to around 1.27 equipment and enabling better access hectares per thousand as the average to it could be a starting point. 59. The study recommended that for for Lichfield District. Lichfield District policies should ensure 63. Acquisition and development of a the safeguarding of existing pitches, 62. The distribution of open space is a central park (or ‘events’ park), on the securing community use agreements particular issue for the area in terms of only suitable land for this purpose, of schools facilities and re-designating equipped play and access to useable east of the Robert Peel Hospital, as some adult pitches for other sports, open space, as opposed to that simply suggested by one resident in the such as junior football and mini- having an amenity value. This is partly workshop, would potentially be a new soccer. as a result of the shape and form of facility that would address the overall the settlement and means that quality open space shortfall. The location 60. The Open Space Assessment provision needs to be made at both could have a strong visual ‘prescence’ considered provision within Fazeley, the Mile Oak and Fazeley parts of the and be available to the whole Mile Oak and Bonehill specifically and settlement. Whilst there have been community. However, it is unknown examined the different types of open recent improvements made at Mile whether there is any opportunity to space available in terms of the amount Oak, the quality and accessibility of carry forward such an idea, in terms of and its quality. The settlement is one the open space to the rear Victory a landowner’s willingness, a of a number of the larger rural Terrace is a particular concern. This community consensus on the idea, or settlements of the District that have a triangular area suffers from its any financial possibility. It would be for relatively poor accessibility to unfortunate location being largely the local community to consider equipped play space measured by the unseen at the rear of housing whether it wishes to progress the idea. proportion of the community within 10 development and having an industrial minutes walk time of an equipped play estate and canal as its other two • Employment space. The study recommended an boundaries. Its poor access and additional equipped play area or an hidden nature makes it relatively 64. In terms of access to employment, improvement in both the quality and isolated in relation to much of the Fazeley is well placed compared to accessibility of the two equipped play settlement. Today, whilst the open other larger rural settlements within areas that exist, at Fazeley and Mile grass area is maintained, it has a Lichfield District, benefiting from its Oak. decaying access road and car park close proximity to Tamworth, as area and an outdated and inaccessible shown in the Transport Study. The 61. In terms of local green spaces that play area. High metal fencing protects settlement also has a number of have a purely amenity function, the the area, presumably to deter employment sites within it or on its study identified that current provision vandalism and anti-social behaviour. edges. Some of these are potential was below the average level of This area is clearly an issue for the redevelopment opportunities, including provision across Lichfield District in settlement, but not one which can be Tolson’s Mill, which has planning terms of the area of land available, resolved by any easy or obvious permission for residential conversion, with only around 0.5 hectares of solutions, although investment in play and other individual employment uses amenity open space per thousand 14

such as the timber yard and carpet opportunities for Fazeley residents, opportunities within the existing warehouse, which have been the the impact would be small. settlement boundaries, including those subject of past discussions about under construction. Laurel House redevelopment. • Housing Growth redevelopment of 77 dwellings and The Boathouse, which is providing specialist 67. Recent growth: The map showing accommodation, are under construction the evolution of Fazeley, Mile Oak and at the time of this report. The total Bonehill to the present (see Appendix potential for additional housing within the 3) shows the historic core of Fazeley existing boundaries is shown as over defined by the Conservation Area and 300 dwellings, which represents a the major expansion of the area in the significant contribution for a rural twentieth century, which effectively settlement. joined together the formerly separate settlements. Most of this major 69. Housing need: Although there is expansion was completed by the evidence that identifies a District-wide 1970’s, but since then there have housing need (see Introduction and Timber yard and carpet warehouse been smaller scale developments both Background report), there are no local at Mile Oak and Fazeley and several housing need surveys specific to 65. There are a number of small individual dwellings within Bonehill. Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill and industrial estates, including Riverside, From 2006 to 2010 there were 83 therefore the technical evidence to Drayton Manor Business Park (in dwelling completions within the area, support a level or types of housing Drayton Bassett Parish) and Tolson’s notably the Millfield House appropriate to meet local requirements Mill Estate off Mill Lane. It should be redevelopment, whilst all other in the immediate area, is absent. noted that the Environment Agency dwellings were small sites. It is notable However there are aspects of the has recommended that neither the that of the 83 dwellings only 4 evidence reports on housing already Riverside nor Tolson’s Mill Estate dwellings fell within the ‘affordable’ commissioned by the District Council should be considered for category. that are relevant to the area. redevelopment for housing due to flood risk. 68. A Table showing the remaining 70. Because Fazeley, Mile Oak and development potential within the current Bonehill lies next to Tamworth, it falls 66. Some potential options for village boundary identified by the District within the local housing market of the additional housing within Fazeley Council’s 2010 Strategic Housing Land town. This means that in terms of the would lead to some loss of local Availability Assessment, is included as construction of open market new or employment, including small units Appendix 4, together with a Plan of existing housing within the settlement, adjacent to Tolson’s Mill. Whilst this potential sites identified by the SHLAA. there is a much larger settlement in very potentially presents a relocation issue In addition to the 83 house completions close proximity against which local for those units, in terms of the overall since 2006 it identifies further potential residents have to compete. Establishing accessibility to employment of 237 dwellings through redevelopment a level of demand for open market15

housing to meet the ‘local needs’ of the their current home to be unsuitable for interest in seeing more housing for settlement would therefore have little their needs. Size, particularly rent and for older people. meaning. This is a situation not so properties being too small, was the obvious in other more freestanding rural main reason given for unsuitability. 75. Just under a third of the settlements within the District. Many Renting households are households who responded to the Fazeley area residents could find their disproportionately represented survey from the area had moved to housing needs could be equally satisfied amongst those finding their current their current home within the last 5 within Tamworth and vice versa. home unsuitable. years, and 84% of these had moved into the area from elsewhere, including 71. The reality of the local housing Lichfield, Tamworth and elsewhere in market is recognized in the Strategic the West Midlands. The main age Housing Market Assessment prepared group for those moving into the area in 2008 and referred to in the was 25 – 44. Only 4.3% of those who Introduction and Background report. It moved in the last 5 years were included Fazeley/Mile Oak in the households setting up either a first or Tamworth housing market area. a new home. Overall the housing market analysis showed a relatively small private 76. A similar proportion of households rented sector, relatively fewer expressed an intention to move within properties with one or two bedrooms the next 2 years as had actually and a slight undersupply of smaller moved in the past 2 years, 12.9% properties. The Assessment also compared to 12.4%. Less than 25% of showed that the local housing market those intending to move expected to was more affordable than many other stay within the ‘rural south east’ part of parts of the sub-region. the District. New housing, Laurel House 72. The Rural Housing Needs Survey 77. The ‘rural south east’ area differed of 2008 included Fazeley, Mile Oak 73. Negative comments from the from other rural parts of Lichfield and Bonehill within the ‘rural south Survey showed that crime and anti- District in that only around 40% of east’ part of the District, which social behaviour were more significant people that planned a move expected encompasses the rural settlements concerns than was evident in other to own their own home, with around around Tamworth. Within this area of rural parts of the District. the same proportion expecting to rent over 15,000 houses, it identified an some form of social housing. Within owner occupation of 73.6%, 74. Whilst there was little support for the owner occupied sector the most significantly lower than some areas of further development within the area popular housing options were either Lichfield District, with just over 21% of arising from the survey, there was two or three bedroomed properties. dwellings being for social rent. 10.8% support for more affordable housing There were no households looking for of residents in the area considered created for local people and an 16

one bedroomed properties. Development opportunities: Street. Beyond such potential opportunities, there is little by way of 78. Only 5.3% of households 80. The analysis of the currently housing options remaining without the contained at least one member identified housing potential within the extension of development into planning to move out to establish a area as shown in the Table at greenfield land on the peripheries of new household within the next two Appendix 4 indicates that there the settlement. years with a third of these also remains a significant new housing intending to stay within the ‘rural south potential arising from redevelopment 82. If extensions to the settlement are east’ area. Unlike the other rural areas opportunities within the existing to be considered, some directions of the majority of newly forming settlement boundaries. It is in the growth are inappropriate because of households expected to rent their next nature of some opportunities, where physical constraints, in particular to home from a social landlord, however they are existing businesses that they the east of Fazeley and parts of the the survey cautions that the sample may take some time to come forward south, because of significant flooding analysed was small and so the results and may await a buoyant housing issues. should be viewed with caution in this market to ensure their economic respect. viability, as may be the case for 83. The remaining housing options are example with the conversion of therefore principally in the Mile Oak 79. Whilst it is difficult to quantify Tolson’s Mill. and Bonehill areas. The Strategic specifically for the Fazeley, Mile Oak Housing Land Availability Assessment, and Bonehill area, the survey does prepared by the District Council, give some indication that there is both identified several large sites. some local need for people to be able Cumulatively they would have a to move within the area and to form capacity of over 700 dwellings. There new households. The area is, are fundamental issues about however, uncharacteristic compared to considering these options, all of which many of the other rural parts of lie within the Green Belt. They are all Lichfield District, particularly in terms large in size. Those lying around the of the proportion of rented Peel Hospital would, if developed, lead accommodation, the proportion of to a coalescence of Bonehill with the people who consider themselves to be Peel Hospital and Mile Oak area lying in unsatisfactory accommodation and Tolson’s Mil south of the former A5. This the proportion that expects to rent consolidation of development also rather than being able to afford to buy 81. There may be further raises the question of narrowing the on the open market. redevelopment potential within remaining gap between the area and Fazeley that as yet cannot be Tamworth. This is unquestionably a recognised, for example from the major fear of local residents. redevelopment of other existing businesses, perhaps on Lichfield 17

84. A further area lying to the west of as an ‘Events Park’ with the idea of 88. People were aware of deficiencies Mile Oak and Sutton Road, would community identity in mind. The issue in various aspects of life in the village, represent a westwards extension of and suggestion may be a matter for perhaps more so than in other villages the settlement. This location would be further discussion within the local in relation to the present quality of the the most distant from the principal community. built environment, but also in terms of area of facilities and services for the social and community facilities. Of settlement, (at Fazeley) and for this particular concern were issues about reason would seem to promote further D. Towards a Vision for the the damage and danger of dereliction dispersion of the community rather Future of several buildings within the than contribute to any integration. settlement and for the need for repair, Summary and Observations on restoration and environmental 85. The principal question arising in ‘What You Said’: improvement, together with better relation to all of these larger greenfield maintenance generally and a ‘tidy up’ sites is whether there is any need for 87. People living in Fazeley who of the village centre at Fazeley. These such a scale of development that attended the rural ‘masterplanning’ are all viewed as matters that should would amount to the ‘exceptional events tended to identify several be addressed now. circumstances’ needed to justify a aspects of life there that they valued change to the current Green Belt and which contributed to living in the boundaries. village. They particularly valued the range of shops and services available • Other Issues in Fazeley centre. The need to retain

the separate identity of Fazeley, Mile 86. The difficulties arising out of the Oak and Bonehill was regarded as a size and shape of the settlement in key issue (ie. not being part of terms of their being a single identity for Tamworth), but the closeness and the community was raised through the good access to the facilities of consultation process. There is an Tamworth was also seen as being an unresolved question of whether this is added convenience to people living in a serious issue and if so how it could Empty building Lichfield Street the settlement. Overall there is a be improved. For example, would re- perceived threat of more coalescence enforcing community identity with 89. The shape and size of Fazeley with Tamworth and a strong view that some central facilities, perhaps with gives rise to local issues felt by some this should be avoided. Residents related development, be an approach residents. Firstly, it means that the want to see no spread of development that would be helpful or acceptable principal centre of activity and facilities into the remaining open areas outside and lead to a more cohesive single lies towards the eastern end of the the current settlement boundaries. community? One suggestion from the built area and a significant walking workshop event was to use one of the distance from Mile Oak or Bonehill. fields between Mile Oak and Bonehill Secondly the historic development of 18

the area has been through the improvements on the A5, through the future possibilities for additional merging of separate settlements and improvements to the Mile Oak housing most people were not able to means that there are a number of junction, to the need to slow down contemplate incursions into green belt smaller ‘communities’ within the traffic on both the Sutton Road and the land around the edges of the whole. Some people saw this as an former A5, the principal link road settlement, for the reasons discussed issue, with a need to promote closer within the settlement. The feasibility of above. There was some acceptance ties between the separate parts, some of the suggestions, such as however of redevelopment potential including the re-opening of some mini-roundabouts, lowering some within the settlement particularly footpaths within residential areas. speed limits, cycleways, more arising from current employment uses CABE took the view in its report that crossings and ‘reshaping the highway such as Tolson’s Mill, but some the key issue for Fazeley was to to become a local street’ (CABE) need concern at the impact on local reinforce the sense of a single further investigation with the County infrastructure. Most did not want to community with a stronger physical Council as Highway Authority. see any major changes to their focus whilst recognising that there are settlement. distinct localities playing different roles. 93. From the local perspective the future for Fazeley, Mile Oak and 90. Many people responding to the Bonehill and a vision of what it should consultations and events considered be like as a place to live in the future that whilst there was a range of needs to be based around those facilities and activities in the area, desires for improving the things that there could be more. This included impinge on the current experience of more facilities, both commercial and living in the settlement, or could simply community and in relation to the latter be made better. These relate in the a lack of facilities for teenagers and short term to solutions to the building, poor play facilities and open spaces street quality and maintenance issues. were the main issues. Some saw In the medium to longer term they are potential for improving facilities for about improving the quality of facilities, visitors, such as canal-based tourists, traffic management and public including a tea-room or coffee shop. transport, and seeing that any upgrade Others thought establishing a bus in local environmental conditions is service to Lichfield would be a Redundant Fazeley Methodist Church maintained in the longer term. significant improvement. 92. In terms of housing, main Conclusions on Housing 91. Traffic management was an issue concerns were seen as a limited social Development Potential: identified for several areas within the housing choice, including a shortage settlement. These ranged from of housing for families and specialist 94. The District Council has an suggesting a new junction and junction housing for older people. Looking at obligation to consider the need for 19

future housing for the District within a higher proportion, both of households important factors in considering Local Development Framework, whilst who planned a move and of newly potential housing locations, as is the taking account of local views on forming households, expected to rent presence of flood plain to the east and development. It is therefore rather than buy, compared to other south, which effectively eliminates necessary to consider at a local level parts of the District. This survey some potential directions of growth. whether there is any potential for information, together with the individual settlements to contribute to significant size of the settlement, 98. As noted earlier there are several meeting housing needs, either those suggests that further assessment is potential greenfield sites identified arising from within the village, from the needed of the demand for social towards the Mile Oak and Bonehill District, or a wider area. housing within the Fazeley area. areas, amounting in total to a potential Assessed demand would need to be of around 700 dwellings. The 95. The conclusions from the Rural considered against the existing supply development of those sites lying in the Settlement Sustainability Study and within Fazeley/Mile Oak to consider Bonehill area would directly contribute the Transport Accessibility Study the scale and nature of future needs. to consolidating urban development in suggest that the settlement of Fazeley, The existing social housing stock is the gap between the existing Mile Oak and Bonehill is capable of relatively high as a proportion of total settlement and Bonehill and would be being a location to accommodate a housing stock, (around 22%), in direct conflict with the fears of local proportion of housing growth. This is compared to the other larger rural residents that the settlement could because of the range of facilities and settlements within Lichfield District, lose its separate identity. Further, as services within it and its accessibility which will help to meet demand from previously noted, the question arising to facilities nearby. This is of course the area. in relation to all of these larger aided by its proximity to Tamworth, but greenfield sites is whether there is any having such a larger housing market in need for such a scale of development, such close proximity also means that would amount to the ‘exceptional increased competition for Fazeley circumstances’ needed to justify a residents for open market housing. change to the current Green Belt boundaries. 96. There are likely to be local needs for affordable and social housing from 99. In the absence of a District within the settlement. This is housing requirement set by a statutory suggested by both the Strategic strategic level of planning, or work that Housing Market Assessment and the clearly establishes housing needs Rural Housing Needs Survey, but also within the area, it is difficult to identify by the size of the settlement. Neither Canalside redevelopment, Evans Croft the specific exceptional circumstances of the surveys assesses the need that would justify the significant green specifically for Fazeley, Mile Oak and 97. The form of the settlement, in belt boundary changes implied by the Bonehill, but it is interesting to note particular the narrow gaps that remain release of such large scale sites. from the Rural Housing Survey that a between it and Tamworth, are 20

100. It should also be noted that of the required within the area, the first step 103. The suggested scale of growth existing larger villages within Lichfield should be a more detailed for Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill District covered within the ‘rural consideration of potential over the period of the Local masterplanning’ project, the Fazeley redevelopment opportunities. Development Framework from 2010, area has the highest level of identified based upon this assessment of or delivered housing potential. Its Development Potential Current Status options is summarised in the Table potential provision from 2006 amounts Type Capacity above. to some 330 dwellings, or 247 dwellings from 2010, and this would With planning 205 Redevelopment Guiding Principles: permission and infill includes represent a significant contribution in 1/4/10 Laurel House 104. Taking into account the range of the context of the District. and Tolson’s Mill community views expressed, the 101. The housing potential identified Identified sites 7 Infill in Bonehill CABE recommendations and other within the settlement has resulted in village relevant considerations contained principally from the redevelopment, or boundary principally in evidence prepared for the identified redevelopment potential of Local Development Framework, it is employment uses. There are several Redevelopment 35 Redevelopment considered that the following Guiding other remaining individual employment of brownfield including Fazeley Principles for Fazeley, Mile Oak and uses or areas within the settlement sites timber yard and Bonehill should be the subject of that may potentially give rise to Fazeley petrol further discussion with the local housing opportunities in the future station community and stakeholders. although they are not identified at Greenfield 0 Environmental: present. The redevelopment of some outside village of these smaller brownfield sites would boundary be preferable to larger greenfield • Ensure high quality in the development and would contribute Suggested 247 maintenance of the environment better to a more ‘organic’ form of Housing throughout the area. change for the settlement. Growth • Create and maintain an improved 102. Taking account of the level of the Potential ? Need to environment within the centre of existing identified housing brownfield investigate Fazeley, through physical development potential within the options redevelopment improvements and maintenance. settlement, it is considered that at options on Lichfield St. and present no greenfield releases outside • Calm/slow/reduce the impact of Tamworth Road the current settlement boundary through traffic on the former A5 (B5404) from Fazeley to Mile Oak. should be considered, and that should further housing development beyond the already identified potential be 21

• Enhance the canal environment available for junior sports and Development Framework, to provide improved access for all the equipped play. consideration should be given to a local community and visitors. Vision statement for the village. The • Continue to improve Mile Oak following initial statement is suggested Housing: park community area. as a basis for further local discussion:

• Enhance the range of housing • Create more cycle provision and opportunities locally for specific footpath links between parts of the Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill groups, accommodating demand from community, including the re-opening of should be a settlement that retains identified local needs in terms of closed footpath connections and its physical separation from house types, size and tenure. improvement of the route between Tamworth and has an integrated Bonehill and Tamworth. social community, where there is • Allow redevelopment for housing easy access for all to a wide range within the settlement, particularly • Retain the current level and of local community facilities and encouraging the re-use of existing variety of shopping and community activities. industrial buildings and redevelopment activity within a better physical of brownfield sites that can make a environment There should be an enhanced contribution to an improvement in the quality and greener physical quality of the environment. Economic: environment in all parts of the settlement, leading to a high quality • Avoid extensions of the village • Improve and extend parking in local living environment. This will that would result in an elongation of its Fazeley where opportunities arise. include improved accessibility for physical form and be distant from residents to shopping and other village services and facilities • Provide better facilities for facilities and to public transport tourism. through a more pedestrian and • Avoid housing development in cycle friendly environment, where locations that would close or reduce • Maintain the environment of the traffic impact and where required, the physical gap between Fazeley, canal and consider opportunities for speeds, are reduced. Mile Oak and Bonehill, with Tamworth enhanced access between the canal Borough. and the village. Children and young people will have better access to and a better Social: A Draft Vision for Fazeley, Mile quality, of play, sports and other activities. Oak and Bonehill: • Improve existing open spaces, Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill particularly to provide better quality 105. For the purposes of guiding the play facilities, and seek opportunities should accommodate a modest direction of future policy for the village, scale of redevelopment within the to increase the quantity of open space in particular through the Local existing village boundaries that 22

provides for identified local housing maintenance. The Council should accessible open space might be needs and utilises mainly consider what further actions it is able addressed in the medium to longer brownfield sites, where an to take, potentially in partnership with term through redevelopment. For enhancement to the village others, to take forward environmental example should the blocks of environment and Conservation and street scene improvements in apartments at Burlington, Peel, Anson Area can be achieved. Fazeley and Mile Oak. and Tame Courts reach the end of their useful life there would be Other Recommendations for opportunities to reorganise land uses Fazeley, Mile Oak and in the north eastern quadrant of Bonehill: Fazeley crossroads taking account of the poorly accessible open space use. 106. More positive and concerted Equally in the redevelopment of action is required to address the Tolson’s Mill site, possibly with current environmental issues at Fazeley garage, or the timber yard Fazeley. This includes addressing the and adjacent warehousing, the renovation and re-use of the several potential for parking for the centre buildings that have fallen into disuse could be considered. Further and disrepair. Whilst it is recognised investigation of such opportunities Looking towards Fazeley canal should be undertaken at some point in that the Conservation Area junction Management Plan has acknowledged the future, involving consideration by the issue and will seek to work with 108. Discussions should take place the social housing landlords, the Town property owners, the state of the built with Staffordshire County Council with and District Councils and private environment is one of the matters of a view to considering whether the landowners, of the potential of this most concern to residents. A number suggested junction improvements at area. of the properties concerned are Mile Oak and the ‘requests’ from the Next Steps: unoccupied dwellings that could be community for further traffic brought into use through repair and management along the former A5 and 110. This village report is intended to renovation whilst other properties have the A453 Sutton Road have potential be of use by the community itself as potential to be used for housing. benefits and are feasible options for well as by Lichfield District Council as the future. 107. In terms of the settlements local planning authority. All community involvement exercises normally included within this rural 109. A number of issues for the achieve access to only a limited masterplanning project Fazeley is the settlement are centred on or can be number of members of any settlement most affected by damage potentially resolved within the centre community. Whilst for Fazeley, Mile to the physical environment in terms of of Fazeley. Some of the more radical Oak and Bonehill there have been a damaged buildings, a poor ‘street solutions to issues such as parking or number of events where participation scene’ quality and general the provision of higher quality, more has been achieved and this report is23

based upon the views expressed, it is recognised that further and wider consultation is desirable.

111. Next steps in the process should therefore include further local community involvement. Firstly this should be designed to achieve a feedback of the results of the process so far to a wider community. Secondly it should seek to achieve further consultation, particularly on the Guiding Principles and Draft Vision that have been suggested above, but also on the views expressed in relation to future redevelopment options for housing and other uses.

Further community involvement

24

FAZELEY, MILE OAK AND BONEHILL

APPENDIX:

1. 2001 Census Social Profile for Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill 2. Local Views given during ‘Rural Masterplanning’ Project 3. Plan Showing of ‘Evolution’ of Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill 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 Fazeley/Mile Oak: Other thoughts from Workshops 2011 (Individual transcriptions from post-it notes made by workshop visitors)

Location: Fazeley/Mile Oak Category/Type of comment Comment made *Additional comment made by others

General comments about Fazeley/Mile Oak Keep asking our MP for more powers for local Councils to do something about abandoned 'developments' Make Fazeley Town Council have a bigger impact in the Mile Oak/outlying area Range of shops needs addressing in Fazeley – limits on take-aways. Independence for Mercia We need to recognise and value the industrial heritage in the area Why are we the poor relation of Lichfield District Council? Environment Scaffold around Bonehill Mill an eyesore. Please what is happening to Old Mill and derelict house opposite? They need developing, not a knock down and rebuild Shops at Fazeley and island are scruffy. Looks like Chinatown! Derelict building opposite Deer Park needs sorting It’s about time the house opposite Fazeley Mill with scaffolding was completed and the scaffolding removed. It is an eyesore. Also same situation of a house opposite St. Paul's church Not enough money allocated to Fazeley. It is scruffy and getting worse. Why don't Council enforce the rebuilding and repair of empty buildings before they are burned down of vandalised Derelict buildings in Fazeley and opposite Deer Park. 106 funding is all very well but, as ever, no funding is available for maintenance. No good building new stuff if it cannot be maintained. Can't something be done about old buildings boarded up for years, to be either demolished or renovated? These were derelict well before recession. Watling Street needs either grass verges removed and tarmaced, or 'No Parking' signs – now tending to look a tired area. Scaffolding around buildings on A5 appears to be permanent and derelict buildings in Fazeley village show no signs of anything being done to improve the look of the village. What about some small trees on Watling Street? The island at Fazeley is awful – burnt out building and shops look awful. Bonehill Mill – what a mess! Areas need a little more TLC – we pay enough Council Tax. Dog fouling is a big problem in George Ave. and along Sutton Road Fazeley is tatty! Fazeley is not just tatty – it is the dirtiest - in terms of litter, town that I have ever lived in. Litter on A5 bypass is disgusting. New housing estate on Mile Oak pub site – green tatty, trees and fence panels broken – local kids using as football pitch – properties being damaged. Development views - general Fazeley needs a small Mill and Canal Museum. Its character will change, so need to capture the 'old ways' for grandchildren The old derelict church in Fazeley – why couldn't planning permission be given for apartments when David Wilson Homes (Laurels) has apartments? Protect our green belt land Green Belt should not be built on Absolutely no development on our green belt. We need some space between us and the awful development over the canal bridge at Ventura. Where does the wildlife go? Derelict house and old Mill in Fazeley need to be developed. They 1 comment added: When are an eyesore and have been for a number of years Don't presume Fradley is easy option – they will soon be at 'full' regarding school, doctors, etc. What plans are there for Methodist Chapel in Fazeley? No building on green belt Is Tolson's Mill going to be used as hotel, shops or some kind of new attraction/development in the area? Traffic and traffic management Very dangerous parking on bend (The Green Bonehill) restricting traffic flow on blind bend Road junction for Mile Oak from A5 north is very sharp with no deceleration space. Can the slip road be realigned to make it safer? Traffic for Hints from the A5 south side now has to go via Mile Oak crossroads making a busy junction busier. Can a slip road be built where the ‘old’ A5 joins the new bypass? Exit from A5 – A453 bypass too short with sharp bend Ventura Park. Why not close to road traffic the section between ASDA and Matalan – would cut out through traffic. Southbound exit from A5 into A453 is far too short and too sharp – very dangerous By pass exit from north to Mile ~Oak – Please straighten up. Fatality waiting to happen. Need traffic lights to be altered plus lane for turning transport from Sutton Road/Watling Street Mile Oak crossroads badly need a filter light to allow traffic to turn towards Fazeley and northbound A5 Traffic has increased on the B5104 since the A5 bypass has opened so the noise levels have increased noticeably. If the speed limit is lowered to 30 mph, it would discourage through traffic. Can the parking be sorted out in Price Avenue? Cars parked too near the junction. Dangerous!! Please could we have a quieter road surface on the B5104 Fazeley to Mile Oak Road, as the tyre noise is deafening. Conversion of Mile Oak crossroads to a roundabout. Public transport Needed. A bus service that takes us to Lichfield direct. A bus service that takes us 'oldies' into Ventura Park i.e. Sainsbury's. What effect will the HS2 have on roads? Getting about the village - walking/cycling The path between Bonehill and the canal needs to be brought up to a cycle track standard (Slack Walk) Cycle path could be made on right side of A5 (coming from Fazeley up to Mile Oak) (note: does this refer to former A5 now B5104?) Village facilities What other facilities are going to be available? Re new bin for litter in Oak Drive/Heathcote Drive. This is being used for bagged dog mess – concern felt for person who empties it! Looking at map showing available facilities – more than thought. Wider publicity! Where are the facilities for youngsters – skateboarding, BMX etc? Why do we not have more free leisure pursuits out of Lichfield? We all pay Council tax but benefits do not come to the area. Leisure facilities could be improved if there was an agreement with Tamworth council to use their facilities at subsidised rates. Housing Previously developed land should be considered for housing NOT green belt Sympathetic development of Tolsons Mill to reflect the areas' heritage Why destroy further the village character when all the 400 houses could be put on Fradley airfield. I am a resident of Bonehill. If planning permission is given for development of land at back of village towards bypass, it will take the green land which separates us from Tamworth. It will turn the village into part of an estate – no break – another village destroyed. Promises made on past developments broken. We were promised a road surface of a noise deadening property. Original worn out now noise increasing. Further houses in local villages will make this worse with more traffic. A hospital was promised – it’s just an outpatient’s surgery in effect. Cannot rely on what we are told. The area is saturated now. Schools could not cope and development around the crossroads would cause massive traffic problem. Use the airfield at Fradley. Why do houses have to be built all over the place when there is an area at Fradley that could take a whole village? I'm concerned about road access/parking for the Laurels and Tolson's Mill. 170 new homes – how many vehicles? Note: * Column refers to comments written on or attached to an original post-it comment

Priorities and Issues Results from 2011 Events: Fazeley, Mile Oak and Bonehill

Your top priorities Agree Disagree

You want to see improvements to local roads to reduce the heavy and fast traffic 28 0 (particularly relating to Drayton Manor Park and Ventura Park). You want to see more leisure / community facilities which could bring the 20 3 community together eg pub, library (add comments / details on a post it). You want to see improvements to play areas for local children. 23 0 Note: ‘Decent Library’ added here by post-it, with 4 supporters 5 0 Community activities and facilities

You felt that there is a lack of facilities for the elderly 15 4 However, you felt that there are not enough activities and facilities for teenagers. 20 0 You said there is a wide range of local businesses which employ local people. 2 20 You said play facilities need improving. 17 1

Transport You said that you use public transport to get to Tamworth and Birmingham for 20 1 work, shopping and leisure. Those of you who don’t use public transport said that it is too expensive. 6 0 You said you feel safe walking or cycling around the area. 16 6 You said you would like to see measures to reduce the problems caused by 29 0 heavy and fast traffic.

Housing You felt there is a good range of housing to meet the needs of most people. 20 0 You want to see a wider range of social housing choice 3 18 You said there was the need for an increase in specialist housing for older 14 2 people.

Environment & Communication You said that there were problems in some areas with patchy mobile phone 12 5 reception. You find out what’s going on via notice boards and local newspapers (Tamworth 18 0 Herald). You said you like the atmosphere of the village and the access to the 23 0 countryside. You said you also like the access to towns such as Tamworth and Lichfield near 18 0 by. You said there is a good sense of community. 12 2

What you want in the future You want to see road improvements to reduce the heavy and fast traffic. 22 0 You want to see improved maintenance of some buildings, roads and pavements. 25 0 You said local infrastructure needs to be improved as it currently suffers from the 16 3 pressures from new developments. You feel there is the need to improve play areas and facilities for younger people. 19 1 You want litter and graffiti cleaned up in the area. 22 0 You said there is a need for some larger social/affordable housing. 5 9 You have concerns over the loss of Green Belt to future housing development. 37 1

Note on Workshops Plans.

Fazeley/Mile Oak: Note on Workshops Plans.

Introduction: The Fazeley/Mile Oak event was held on 24th 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 Group 3

General description There are areas of different character and identity within the settlement, with communities within each area: e.g. Mile Oak, Bonehill, Deer Park, Fazeley centre There is a need to maintain the separate identity of the Fazeley/MileOak/Bonehill community, from that of Tamworth There are many facilities within Fazeley, but these creates litter and traffic problems Seems like a village with no ‘focus’, on the fringe of but not part of Tamworth or Lichfield – poor public transport to Lichfield reinforces this

Communications and traffic management People shop in Lichfield because of Tamworth and Ventura Park traffic issues There is no direct bus access to Lichfield which makes visits difficult – e.g. to Council Offices There are no buses along Coleshill St./Coleshill Rd., although there are bus stops There is restricted access to the countryside Poor walking routes to Tamworth, but potential to improve ‘Slack Walk’ from Bonehill

------ Several ‘alleyways’ are closed which harms links Improve pedestrian safety – there between communities because of physical barriers ------ are few crossings of roads. (e.g. Manor Rd. /Brookside Rd.) Parts of the canal towpath are in poor condition – e.g. near Tolson’s Mill Some highways improvements are desirable: A5 – improve Mile Oak exit, create a new exit northbound west of Mile Oak to link with old A5 A453/Mile Oak junction – filter lane needed for right turn out of Tamworth ----

------ Need to improve Mile Oak junction Put weight limit on old A5 Need more parking in Fazeley Provide off Square parking and restrict parking on the Square Slow down traffic on the Sutton Road with a series of mini- roundabouts at its junctions with residential roads Need for more cycling facilities and improvements

Environment There is a general clutter of signs/bins etc in Fazeley ------ Tidy up Fazeley – (District and Town Council) Historic buildings are falling into decline – need to Restore the centre of Fazeley and its heritage Do something with the derelict restore dereliction ------ ------ buildings. Listed buildings are at risk. Burnt buildings need sorting out – enforcement? There are few trees within the Fazeley/Tolsons Mill Plant an avenue of oaks from Fazeley to Mile area and tree planting is desirable ------Oak

------ No access is available to Mill Pool Shops could be encouraged to have hanging baskets etc. and there could be planters and more landscaping Promote better use of the Square - linked to moving the parking

Development and Housing Issues Protect all Green Belt - No housing ------ Protect Green Belt Encourage redevelopment of Tolson’s Mill – a mixed use suggested including flats, small enterprises, canal related uses at ground level – include a café. Very limited development needed using brownfield first, but concentrate on improving existing, i.e. no major changes Should not merge with Tamworth – separate identity Possible employment site at Mile Oak behind Mercedes garage/A453 Employment/commercial units are rubbish (next to Laurels) Methodist Church could be a community resource/centre promoting Fazeley – e.g. with coffee shop

Village facilities Bonehill lacks facilities e.g. a play area or community Events Park suggested on fields between Need better play facilities at Fazeley, place. All facilities are across a busy road. ------Bonehill and the old A5 but where? Improve Mile Oak play ------ ------ area Fazeley centre needs better access e.g. to post office Fazeley suffers from litter and traffic Would like a tea room

Children’s group

The event sought to encourage any younger visitors to think about their village and to put down their thoughts in any way they wished. At Fazeley a note was made by one child. This took the form of a ‘diagram’ of likes, dislikes, as set out in the following table.

Amy (aged 8) Things I like: Countryside; quietness; the place; the community; the canal

Things I don’t like People building on green belt land; graffiti If we bring more people into the community and put them on green belt land farmers won’t be able to raise their animals. We need fields for crops not houses. Things we would like to improve We could use some waste land for a decent playing ground, or library

Things we would want Some of the buildings with scaffolding on the A5 can be knocked down and made into 1 or 2 houses that are spacious with nice drives. The average person needs 2 trees for their whole life to breathe

Evolution of Bonehill, Fazeley and Mile Oak

A5 Bonehill

Tamworth Borough

Mile Oak Birmingham & Lich field Fazeley Canal Roa School d

d oa R n tto Su Fazeley

Fazeley Dated Mixed Ages Key Pre 1900 Drayton Manor Conservation Areas Theme Park 1920s District Boundary 1930s 1940s Water - Rivers, Canals, streams 1950s etc 1960s

1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s Appendix 4

Development Potential within Fazeley/Mile Oak/Bonehill 2006 – 2026

Site reference Location Status No. No. Affordable dwellings Completions 2006- Mar 2010 01/00776 The Dower House, Park La. Complete 1 07/00416 Land r/o 17,17A,21 The Green Complete 4 01/00872 15, The Green Complete 1 326 04/00625 99, Sutton Rd. Complete 4 07/00373/Ful 125, Sutton Rd. Complete 3 263 03/00389/Ful 75, Park Lane Complete 1 328 05/00330 Millfield House Complete 57 0 153 03/00895/Out 187-86 Deer Park Rd Complete 4 4 06/00186/Out 329 Land r/o 31 &32 Deer Park Rd Complete 2 04/00772/Ful Land adj. Bonehill Cottage Complete 1 04/01215/Ful 40, Brook End Complete 1 330 05/00104/Cou 331 Stables or Coach House, Bonehill House Complete 1 07/00481/Out Garage court r/o 41-43 Brook End Complete 2 161 01/00738 327 Land at Orchard House, Bonehill 1 Sub Total 83 4 With Planning Permission @1/4/10 06/00978OUT 162 Buxton Ave. / Brook End 2

08/01026/FUL 410 61, Coleshill Street 5 09/00649/FUL 17, Coleshill Rd. 1 07/00073/FULM 117 The Boathouse, Lichfield St. 14 0 07/00938/FULM 115 Tolson’s Mill, Lichfield St. 100 25 05/01140/OUTM 118 Laurel House 77 0 08/00915/OUT 20, The Green, Bonehill 4 06/01058/OUT 171 Land adjacent 1 Reindeer Rd. 1 05/01192/OUT 262? 9, Stud Farm Drive 1 Sub Total 205 25

Deliverable and within Village Boundary 96 Fazeley Saw Mill, Timber Yard 25 5 - 10 14, The Green, Bonehill 71 - 2 Sub Total 32

Developable and within Village Boundary 116 Petrol station, Fazeley 10 2 - 4 Sub Total 10 Development Potential 2006 – 2026 within Village Boundary Completed 06/10 83 4 With planning permission 04/10 205 25 Deliverable 32 6 - 12 Developable 10 2 - 4 Total 330 37 - 44

SHLAA Assessment Sites by Deliverability Legend Fazeley 634 NOT TO SCALE LichfieldComplete District Council Lichfield District Council Deliverable Developable Not Currently Developable

262 Settlement Boundaries 94 Reproduced from The Ordnance Survey Mapping with the 328 permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Offices 402 (C) Crown Copyright : License No 100017765 Dated April 2010 495 326 331 100 327 440 389 140 Lichfield District Council 472 95

97 118

263 329 171 117 621 96

115 116

162 200 410 161

201 330

Lichfield District Council 292

No decision has been taken to allocate these sites. The inclusion of any site in this assessment does not indicate that it will be allocated or successfully obtain permission for housing.