Lichfield District WHITTINGTON

Rural Planning A. WHAT YOU SAID Project 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: workshops there was some discussion where there were good views back about the important characteristics of towards the village from a number of 1. The following paragraphs summarise the existing village and of its footpaths in the surrounding the main outcomes from the rural surroundings. countryside, as well as some views planning project in terms of the views towards Lichfield Cathedral from the gathered, principally from residents of canal, that helped to relate the village the village, between July 2010 and to the city. The directions of the views February 2011. The original analyses on identified in the workshops are shown which this summary is based are on the Composite Plan of Workshop included in Appendix 2 for the village. Ideas Views and ideas arising from the February 2011 workshop event are 6. The Composite Plan of Workshop illustrated on the accompanying Ideas also shows a number of specific Composite Plan of Workshop Ideas. features that people felt were important in contributing to the character of the • Character and environment village. These included a number of The Bell individual or groups of buildings, 2. Those who expressed views about principally some of the historic Whittington during the rural 4. The main features that people buildings of the village lying within the masterplanning project almost all liked identified in the workshops were the Conservation Area. The ‘old school’ living in the village. They valued it for setting of the village in its landscape, was identified as one of those the fact that it was rural, had a good its compactness and size, which buildings, and there was seen to be a quality of environment and they valued contributed to the community feel in current threat of its loss to the access to the countryside living in the village. The quality and historic redevelopment, which some noted Whittington gave them, including characteristics of the village were should be opposed. Other important access to the canal for walking. People important, along with the range of features identified included several also thought that it was a peaceful facilities that it was able to support. areas where there are important trees place to live and relatively safe, with a From discussions in the workshop or woodland, both within the village low level of crime. there appeared to be a broad and outside. Some pointed out that consensus on the nature of the village there were some strong boundaries to 3. Other than the general and the characteristics that were the village, particularly the canal and ‘environment’, people discussed very important. the railway to the north and the east. little by way of detail on the particular The canal was particularly relevant to 5. There was a view expressed that features of Whittington that they the consideration of the future of the Whittington fitted well into the valued, preferring to concentrate upon village since the bridges on two of the landscape of the area, and ‘nestled’ the matters they felt should be approach roads limited the potential for into a shallow depression, such that addressed to improve village life. any expansion along these routes. However in the February 2011 people identified a number of places 2

7. Many people expressed a view that • Transport and traffic Whittington had a good sense of management community. At the February workshops there was a discussion 11. The issues raised about traffic and about the size of the village that is traffic management, were particularly summarised in the CABE report set in relation to through traffic and out in section B below. In essence, ‘industrial/agricultural’ traffic within the many people agreed with the view that village and on its approaches. the village was of sufficient size to support a range of community facilities 12. Within the February 2011 and activities, but was still sufficiently workshops a section of Church Street small for people to ‘know each other’, Church Street and the Dog Inn crossroads were fostering a local community spirit. This identified on a plan as an area of view not surprisingly coloured people’s 10. Whittington is one of the villages particular concern where there was on- attitudes to change and growth of the where there is a group of people who street parking but also speeding traffic. village, with people fearing that any are concerned about the need to However, other problem locations were significant expansion would result in a contribute locally towards efforts to use noted by visitors to the event, including loss of community spirit. Many people more renewable energy and promote the section of Main Street that bends, agreed they thought that the village carbon reduction. This was expressed between the old post office and ‘The was about the ‘right size’ now. in a number of ways, but some thought Bell’, and outside the school at start that they wanted Whittington to and finish times. 8. There was a recognition that the become an example of how local Barracks and its’ community were also communities can use renewable important. Although separated from energy. There were few specific the village social and economic proposals recorded through the rural relationships existed that contributed masterplanning project, although this to the life of the area and so should be was taken to mean principally the use a consideration in planning for the of wind and solar power. In this respect future. there are some similarities with a group at Shenstone that expressed similar 9. Even though people valued the views. One suggestion made was for quality of the village highly, they the relaxation of planning restrictions nevertheless identified several within the Conservation Area to permit problems and issues that should be the introduction of solar panels. Congestion on Church Street tackled to improve the village. One of 13. Some were concerned that the most significant of these seemed additional traffic management in the to be matters concerning traffic and village could mean road ‘humps’ and parking. 3

were opposed to these. Several alternative route to be created for • Community activities and people suggested that speed was an Sheepwash Farm traffic across the facilities issue and that either there should be railway to the north, but no other more 30 mph signs within the village, suggestions were made. 18. In response to an initial or that there should be a 20 mph zone questionnaire 24 of 25 people introduced. The latter was suggested 16. Although Whittington has a bus considered there to be a good range of along certain road sections or as a route, which was identified by people facilities in Whittington, although some whole village 20 mph zone. within the February workshops, there considered there was not so much for were a number of issues raised teenagers and those in the 20 – 50 14. Others thought there was a need concerning the service. There seemed age groups. These views were to be realistic about the ability to do however to be no consensus view strongly supported in the February anything about the level of on-street about the service. About half of the 2011 event, although there was little parking within Whittington because of people who responded to an initial emphasis given to community facilities the nature of the properties and that questionnaire said they used public or activities within the workshop reducing speed would at least reduce transport, but a similar proportion groups. There was less agreement on the danger. considered the bus to be expensive the question of whether there was a and unreliable. These suggested there good range of local shops and pubs, should be more stops and shelters and although most considered there were. a more frequent service. At the February workshops event fewer people responded with opinions on public transport than on most other topics, suggesting that it is not seen as a high priority issue. Here, less than half the people who responded said that they used the bus service.

17. The proposals for the High Speed On street parking rail line (HS2), proposed to pass to the west of the village, through Whittington 15. It was thought by some that the Heath Golf Course, were mentioned by Village shops level of heavy vehicle traffic passing a number of people and seen as a through the village seemed to be significant environmental threat. 19. A number of views were expressed increasing and much of it was Children who attended the workshop on potential improvements to local unsuitable. This was lined by a number also noted HS2 and joined in facilities and activities. Suggestions of people to traffic emanating from opposition to it. included a secure play area, seating Sheepwash Farm on Road. areas, a skate park, a 24-hour cash One suggestion was made for an point, increasing the mobile library 4

service and a need for an NHS dentist. • Development and housing 24. Some people had a view that the Some people noted that there was a HS2 proposals would limit the demand new recreation field and a new cricket 22. For the most part the views on for housing in the village. ground to come. development and housing expressed through the rural masterplanning 25. Specific views on the potential for 20. A consistent theme raised project reflected most people’s view new housing in the village included throughout the project was the issue of that they liked the village of Whittington both those who thought there was a poor access to, and slow speed of, for its rural and community qualities. need for smaller accommodation that broadband. It is not clear whether this There was a concern that additional helped to keep younger people in the is an issue that is concerning to most development would erode some of the village and some who thought that the people, but some considered that poor character of the village that makes it a best way of meeting future needs was Internet and mobile phone services good place to live. through the creation of a new village. were a major problem. These limited the ability for successful home working 23. Various views were expressed 26. One of the fears that villagers had with the knock on effect of putting about any local need for some housing about new housing concerned the more traffic onto local roads. Some felt and these were quite divergent. About overall scale of new development as a that there should be more support for half of those who responded to the possible threat to the rural character of home working and home businesses. initial questionnaire thought there was the village. Through the workshops already a good choice of housing in there appeared to be a degree of the village to meet local needs. Some consensus that the existing village people however thought that there was boundaries should be retained to a need for both starter homes and for prevent a spread of larger scale supported housing, with some noting development into the countryside, but that the cost of property within that some infill or redevelopment within Whittington was relatively high. At the the existing boundaries would be February workshop event there was a acceptable or potentially beneficial. significant split of those expressing a More than one workshop group view on the need for housing to meet thought there to be a small-scale local local needs. A small majority of people need for starter homes and for thought there was a need for smaller sheltered housing. Three potential Local Events starter homes and a minority of people ‘infill’ sites were identified by one felt there was a need for specialist group, as being: land to the rear of the 21. One of the top local priorities housing for the elderly. Although there youth club, the Swan public house and emerging from the consultation was was also some mention of a need for land between Chapel Lane and that people wanted to see younger smaller homes to allow people to Blacksmith Lane. These sites are people more engaged in planning the ‘downsize’, this was not a commonly shown on the Composite Plan of future of their communities. expressed view. Workshop Ideas 5

27. As well as the general view that keeping with the village. One response There was a small amount of concern the current village boundary should be said Whittington was able to take more expressed however, that further retained the workshop groups also houses, but they should be “very good expansion of the Hospice might have identified several of the approaches to quality, sensitive to rural and historic potential to harm the character of that the village (see Plan) where they environment”. part of the village. thought that new development would be harmful in terms of its impact on the 29. In summary therefore, there was • What you want for the future village and tend to dominate the no call for any expansion of the village Conservation Area. One response and opposition to new development 31. The main theme expressed by specifically mentioned that they spreading into the open countryside. villagers throughout the rural thought that development at People thought that the green belt masterplanning project was the need Huddlesford Lane would undermine should be retained, but there was more to retain the essential rural character of the concept of the green belt and acceptance of the potential for some Whittington and its environment. This encourage “infill over a large area”. limited infill. The needs of the village was a unanimous view expressed in appeared to some local people to the February workshop event and also principally be for starter and sheltered the highest priority. This was taken to accommodation, but this was by no mean amongst that there should be no means a unanimous view. There was a village expansion, but also that the strong desire for a high quality of various aspects that detracted from the design and architecture to be achieved quality of village life, in particular the in any development. issues identified in relation to traffic, needed to be resolved. • Other Issues 32. In the context of a largely ‘stable’ 30. Whittington is a village that has village, other priorities for the future some local employment, even though were measures to reduce speeding, Potential new housing through most people travel out to work. The improvements to facilities for children redevelopment Hospice, local shops and the Barracks and younger people and improvements were all noted as examples of to public transport. There was a 28. One of the issues raised was about businesses contributing to the local particular view among some people the quality of any new development. economy. It was noted that there that the village should promote, or be People considered that Whittington needed to be support for a local an ‘exemplar’, in relation to carbon had a high quality of vernacular economy to thrive and high speed reduction and this view received a architecture that made a significant broadband was one of the measures significant degree of support amongst contribution to its character. If new frequently identified, since a rural those who visited the February development was to occur there was a economy was not simply about there workshop event. need for it to be sensitively designed being ‘fixed’ employment sites but also and ‘traditional’ in style so as to be in about helping people to work at home. 6

B. What CABE said From an RMF viewpoint one of the most interesting discussion points 33. The independent event enabler emerging at the Whittington sponsored by CABE reported his views workshop was regarding the ‘ideal on all six villages covered by the ‘rural size for a village’. People clearly like masterplanning’ project to the District living at Whittington, which is small Council in April 2011. The content of enough to be a community where his report relating specifically to everyone knows everyone else-the Whittington is set out below. essence of village life. However there were divided views as to “Whittington whether the expansion of the village over the past 50 yrs has made it a Whittington Village Hall Whittington is in many ways the better place- including a realization most ‘typically rural’ of the that many of the people and settlements being away from main facilities now at the heart of village roads and with a mostly rural based life are there as a consequence of local economic history albeit having half a century of expansion. Whittington Barracks (now Army Whether there is a ‘tipping point’ Medical Corps) and St Giles Hospice beyond which village life is close by. It is however very close to fragmented is an interesting point Lichfield such as to be regarded to but within the 6 settlements it is some extent as a satellite settlement clear that there are larger relating to the city. settlements than Whittington (including Alrewas or Shenstone) Despite some extensive housing that retain a strong village estate developments from the 60’s character. and 70’s onward Whittington retains a tight urban form with facilities The Whittington workshop showed concentrated in the village centre. close awareness of the issue of maintaining economic activity. The A strong sense of community was effects of closure of the Barracks apparent at the exhibition/ (including related closure of one of workshop where an important the village pubs) had been theme was the consolidation of the experienced and plans for a fuller heart of the village with high quality Community Notice Board future re-use of the site were seen infill rather than greenfield edge as positive to maintain school estate development. numbers and local shops.” 7

C. Other Evidence Relevant to the village lies most of the way down a planning for the future of slope from higher land in the south, Whittington with the valley of the River Tame to the north east and north. Whittington • Character and environment Barracks and Whittington Heath Golf Course sit on the higher land, mostly 34. Whittington is an historic settlement former heathland, and there are and its historic core is designated as a ‘tongues of higher land extending Conservation Area that mainly extends towards the south west and south east along principal streets of Church Street of the village. This landform provides and Main Street. However it also the impression of the village resting in On Main Street, Whittington includes much of the Chapel Lane, its landscape and allows some views down to the village. Some of these Blacksmith Lane area. Although there 36. In relation to future change in is currently no Conservation Area were pointed out by villagers at the Whittington, the characteristics of the February workshop and are shown on Management Plan for Whittington, Conservation Area are relevant in a many of the buildings within the the Composite Plan of Workshop number of respects. As well as the Ideas. Conservation Area are subject to an need to preserve and enhance the Article 4 Direction that imposes general townscape quality, the spacing Historic Environment additional planning controls on them and density of buildings on Main Street and is used as a tool to help maintain and Church Street, together with the 38. Whittington is set largely within an the character and quality of the architectural styles and characteristics agricultural landscape that has been Conservation Area. of the buildings, plot shape and sizes, subject to centuries of change. are important considerations in the 35. The village has expanded beyond County Council has design of any new development. This this historic core, mainly to the east prepared a Historic Environment was emphasised as a high priority and north where it is now mostly Assessment for Lichfield District that amongst the local community during developed up to the boundary formed considers the development of the the course of the rural masterplanning by the Coventry Canal. This growth landscape from prehistoric times to the project. occurred mainly in the twentieth present, examining the level of survival of earlier landscapes. It century as shown on the Plan of the Landform evolution of the village included as divides the District into ‘character areas’. These are a tool to help Appendix 3. Because the village is 37. The view was expressed during located on a crossroads of two through identify and protect landscape survival the February 2011 workshop that and the links between the landscape routes that are also the principal Whittington fitted well into the historic streets, most people who pass and historic settlements, since landscape of the area, and ‘nestled’ landscapes reflect the past functions through the village see the special into a shallow depression. character and charm that has retained. of such historic villages. Examination of landform shows that 8

39. Whittington is first recorded in potential habitat that may inhibit areas of poor semi-improved documents of the late 12th Century development potential, or need grassland along Back Lane and and may represent clearance of protection in the event of development Huddlesford Lane. woodland for farming in the early post taking place. This would be the case if conquest period. During the medieval these areas were important in 42. The Study recommends the period the landscape was farmed as supporting species that are either protection and enhancement of the arable in large open fields, many protected and/or identified in canal corridor by creating appropriate associated with Lichfield but others in Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. habitats alongside it. This would be this area in association with most likely to take place in the event of Whittington, Chesterfield and Wall. a significant development in the area Significant piecemeal enclosure of and the Study notes that the canal and large fields around Lichfield took place other habitats could form the core of in the 17th and early 18th centuries any green infrastructure associated whilst around Whittington enclosure with development. into large open fields may have begun earlier. The Assessment notes that Flooding although on the whole 20th century changes dominate the landscape, 43. A Surface Water Management such as the expansion of Whittington, Plan was prepared for southern the form of piecemeal enclosure Staffordshire in 2010 and forms part of around Whittington survives the evidence base for the Local reasonably well, although some field Development Framework. The Plan boundary loss has occurred. The identified Whittington as one of several villages that have a high historic Assessment concludes that future development would need to consider incidence of flooding, from various how the historic landscape character Parish Church causes. 6 historic flooding events were could be reflected in any development identified in Whittington, mostly in or in those areas where it survives well 41. The area surveyed included land close to the centre of the village, each and also how development may either side of Huddlesford Lane and being either sewer highways or impact upon the setting of the land both north and south of the surface water flooding. A moderate Conservation Area. Coventry canal. The canal itself is a number of properties are identified as designated Site of Biological being at risk of future flooding (115 Habitats Importance, potentially habitat for properties). otter, white-clawed crayfish and 40. An Ecological Study of Lichfield several species of bat. Most of the 44. Whittington was identified as one District (2009 by Staffordshire area is arable land, containing little of of seven settlements within Lichfield Ecological Services) has examined an habitat interest except within District that were classified as having a areas to the west of Whittington for hedgerows, although there are some high overall risk of surface water 9

flooding and should be subject to transport measures, and to 48. There are scarce resources for further review, including investigating accommodate growth, it also transport management, reinforced by the causes of the historic flooding recognises that the needs of local the present economic situation within events particularly repeat events. In neighbourhoods is one of the transport central and local government. terms of future development, the report challenges that needs to be met. This Initiatives such as those mentioned will recommends that consideration should includes maintaining the current need to be largely funded by County be given to the location of any future condition and safety of the highway Council capital and revenue funds, development sites with reference to network, improving accessibility and (including Councillor’s revenue funds) the Environment Agency’s surface the quality of life in local communities and influenced by community water flood extents and that the impact and providing adequate public consultation. Some initiatives might be of development on surface water run transport access to local services and achieved at a relatively low cost, off should be examined including facilities. however it will be important for options for mitigating its effects. communities to be aware of County Council funding mechanisms and the • Transport and traffic opportunity to influence them where management there are particular local issues, such as traffic speeds and safety issues 45. Whittington is located where an within Whittington that they wish to see east-west and a north-south route addressed. cross and whilst these are not classified as ‘A’ roads they 49. Some people at the February 2011 nevertheless take a significant amount workshops were concerned at the of through traffic, which is a concern frequency and quality of the bus amongst residents, in particular, the service for Whittington. In the context impact on sections of Church Street The Dog Inn crossroads of Lichfield District rural services and Main Street and the crossroads. however, the service for Whittington, These are section of road that lie within 47. The Integrated Transport Strategy which is half hourly, is amongst the the heart of the Conservation Area, does not include any specific proposals most frequent, since it is along the where there are limited options for for Whittington, either for traffic inter-urban route between Lichfield improving the situation. management or for improved public and Tamworth. Quality issues, such as transport. However it identifies those raised about the stops and 46. Staffordshire County Council is potential types of projects such as 20 shelters, would require further currently progressing a Lichfield mph zones, a speed limit review, investigation. It is relevant to note that District Integrated Transport Strategy community transport, bus service of the settlements included within the for the period 2011 to 2026. Whilst this information and pedestrian safety rural masterplanning project, the 2001 will have some emphasis on the priorities, as approaches that could be Census Whittington shared the highest infrastructure necessary to promote tapped into to achieve local ambitions. proportion of dwellings with 2 cars with movement by more sustainable 1 0

Little Aston, at around 48%. 51. The Study ranked accessibility • Community activities and scores by Ward for Lichfield District facilities and divided those into quartiles, which gave a measure of relative Recreation accessibility of wards within the District. With the exceptions of 53. In terms of outdoor or indoor sport, with Handsacre and play and general community activities, /Mile Oak, the rural areas of Whittington has facilities within the Lichfield District had accessibility village provided mainly by a sports and overall composite scores that fell recreation ground, community hall and within the bottom quartile for the church hall. It contains facilities typical District. In terms of accessibility to of a larger village, some of which are individual facilities, Whittington Ward relatively new. It is necessary to Village bus service fell within the third quartile for consider whether the level of sports supermarkets, healthcare and further facilities and open space are adequate Accessibility education and but in the bottom for the needs of the village, or whether there are deficiencies that should be 50. A Transport Accessibility Study for quartile for public transport access to employment and education overall. addressed. In the case of Whittington Lichfield District prepared in 2008 however, the Parish Council in considered accessibility of settlements 52. The results of the Study suggest particular has already made recent to employment, education, healthcare that in terms of accessibility, taking strides towards improving facilities for and shopping (supermarkets). It account of the whole range of services the village. examined accessibility at the village and facilities considered, Whittington level and for individual areas within is on a par with settlements such as 54. A Playing Pitch Assessment (2007) villages. The study showed that Alrewas or Shenstone in terms of its and an Open Space Assessment Whittington has some relatively good level of accessibility, although it has (2008/9) have both been prepared as access to local facilities within the some advantages over these because evidence for the Local Development village and because of its location on a of its location on a bus route between Framework. These provide information bus service between Lichfield and Lichfield and Tamworth. Whilst it could to enable recreation provision to be Tamworth, to facilities such as further be considered to have relatively poor considered for Whittington. education, healthcare, supermarkets accessibility compared to some urban and supermarkets, it otherwise has areas, in rural terms the accessibility Sports Pitches poor accessibility when compared to study suggests that it would be locations within Lichfield or 55. The Playing Pitch Assessment reasonable for Whittington to have a and the villages of Fazeley/Mile Oak considered Whittington as part of a role in accommodating part of the rural and . ‘Rural North’ area of Lichfield District growth within Lichfield District if such and also at the Ward level. Part of the growth was required as part of a background to the playing pitch District-wide strategy. 1 1

assessment is a trend for less use of some adult pitches for other sports, open space, sport and recreation adult football pitches, but increased such as mini-soccer. facilities. Issues identified by the participation by younger age groups. Parish council included a deficiency of The Study considered future trends 58. The generalisation within the ‘Rural equipped play space and poor and took account of various North’ analysis tends to mask issues accessibility. In terms of children’s play programmes to increase participation that relate specifically to Whittington space a quality assessment was in sport and used these to forecast the because there are clubs located within carried out that found that the need for playing pitches at 2021. the geographical area that serve Whittington recreation areas had a communities in Lichfield and reasonable score in terms of quality, a 56. The study found a surplus of adult Tamworth. However the general score of 29, within a range of 12 to 39 football pitches in Lichfield Rural forecast trends of rising deficiencies in within Lichfield District play spaces. North, which in the case of Whittington junior pitches and surpluses of adult Although the Parish Council identified was of some 1.8 pitches. However it pitches are relevant. They are accessibility as an issue, the found an overall current shortfall for particularly applicable to Whittington Assessment found overall accessibility Whittington in junior football cricket, where the Parish has recognised the to be adequate, but concluded that an adult and junior rugby union, need arising from local club additional equipped play area would amounting to some 8.4 pitches. The participation and has sought to improve the situation, or access to the Study took account of community use address the need through new existing areas should be improved. of Whittington Barracks facilities. provision. 61. The proposals being implemented 57. For the future the Study found a Open Space by the Parish Council and the cricket forecast continued over-supply in adult club will considerably improve the football pitches by 2021, which, 59. The District Council’s Open Space facilities available to residents of through re-designating, could be a Sport and Recreation Assessment of Whittington and address the issues means of increasing the supply of 2009 examined the provision of open identified locally and contained within junior pitches. The undersupply of space and play facilities within the Playing Pitch and Open Space cricket pitches was brought about by Whittington. Existing provision Assessments. the location of Tamworth Cricket Club included access to 2 play areas and 2 within the ‘Rural North’ area, whilst the sports grounds, together with several • Development and housing undersupply of junior rugby was areas of amenity green space. The brought about by the location of canal acted as a green corridor, 62. Recent growth: The map showing Lichfield Rugby Club within Whittington important for wildlife and there was the evolution of Whittington to the Ward, since the club had no junior also some natural and semi-natural present (see Appendix 3) shows the pitches. The Assessment greenspace. significant growth of the village away recommendations included the from the historic core contained within safeguarding of existing pitches, 60. The Parish Council, which was the Conservation Area. Much of this securing community use agreements consulted as part of the Assessment, significant growth took place from the of schools facilities and re-designating identified a deficiency in the quantity of 1960’s and continued into the1 2

1980’s, after which there have been Council that are relevant to 67. In response to the survey 6.5% of only small amounts of growth through Whittington. residents considered their current infill and redevelopment within the home to be unsuitable for their needs. existing village boundaries. This however represented a relatively small number of replies to the survey 63. A Table showing the remaining and so the results must be viewed with development potential within the some caution. Size, particularly current village boundary identified by properties being too large, was the the District Council’s 2010 Strategic main reason given for unsuitability, Housing Land Availability Assessment followed by cost of heating and is included as Appendix 4, together transport difficulties. Comparing with a Plan of potential sites identified household size with property size, by the SHLAA. It shows 19 house under-occupation was significantly completions since 2006 including the more evident than over occupation. redevelopment of Whittington Grange Potential for housing redevelopment School and limited further potential of 68. Just under a third of the 28 dwellings through redevelopment 65. The Rural Housing Needs Survey households who responded to the opportunities, including the Swan Inn, of 2008 included Whittington within the survey had moved to their current Whittington Youth Centre and Cloisters ‘rural east’ part of the District, which home within the last 5 years, and Walk. All of these sites lie within the encompasses , 84.5% of these had moved into the settlement boundary and the Swan Inn , , , Haunton area from elsewhere, particularly from and Youth Centre were identified by and Whittington. Whittington is the Lichfield and Tamworth. Only 4.3% of villagers during the February 2011 largest settlement within the ‘rural east’ those who moved in the last 5 years workshops and are shown on the are. were households setting up either a Composite Plan of Workshop Ideas. first or new home. 66. Within this area of just over 15,000 64. Housing need: Although there is houses, it identified an owner 69. More households expressed an evidence that identifies a District-wide occupation of 82.5%, with around 11% intention to move within the next 2 housing need (see Introduction and of dwellings being for social rent and years than actually moved in the past Background report), there are no local just over 6% renting privately. For 2 years, 14.2% compared to 11.4% housing need surveys specific to Whittington village only however, the and less than 25% of those intending Whittington and therefore the technical 2001 Census showed 86.0% owner to move expected to stay within the evidence to support a level or types of occupation with only 9.1% social ‘rural east’ part of the District. housing appropriate to meet local renting. Over half the houses in the requirements in the immediate area, is ‘rural east’ area are detached 70. Most people who intended to move absent. There are however aspects of properties, with most housing being were interested in owner occupation, the evidence reports on housing three and four bedroomed. with 87.5% of households that plan to already commissioned by the District move to owner occupied housing in1 3

the next 2 years looking for three and Development opportunities: is no reason to conclude that these four bedroom property. None of those would not be able to be developed in a intended movers were looking for a 73. The District Council’s Strategic manner appropriate to the village. one bedroomed property. Housing Land Availability Assessment 2010 (SHLAA) identifies some options 76. One further site identified by the 71. 8.5% of existing households for further housing development both February 2011 workshop and shown contained at least one member within the village and outside the on the Composite Plan of Workshop planning to move out to establish a current development boundaries. Ideas was garden land between new independent household within the These identified sites should be Chapel Lane and Blacksmith Lane. next two years and these were also considered as providing a choice of This land has a total area of around mainly interested in owner occupied ‘options’ brought forward by separate 0.5 hectares. It contains some accommodation. These households interests, rather than implying any significant trees and has existing were looking more for two and one proven necessity for a significant scale properties on a number of its bedroom accommodation with only of development outside the village boundaries. Access issues would also 9.1% looking for three-bedroom boundary. need to be resolved, but subject to accommodation. However only 15% of being able to achieve an appropriate these were planning to move within the 74. A number of small sites were layout, the location would in principle ‘rural east’ area, whilst 20% were identified in the February workshop be suitable for development. Without planning a move to Tamworth and groups as suggestions if the village resolving these issues or considering over a third were moving out of the was to accommodate additional its availability it is difficult to determine area altogether and heading for housing. These are identified on the its capacity, but it would be appropriate elsewhere in the UK. Composite Plan of Workshop Ideas to allow a notional range of 5 to 10 and all lie within the current village dwellings. 72. Whilst it is difficult to quantify, the boundary. The groups at the workshop survey does provide some support for were not very willing to contemplate the view expressed through the outward expansion of the village, but workshops that there was a need for rather identified four main approaches properties to downsize into. The to the village that should be protected specific demand that might arise for from development. Nevertheless, for social housing or from newly forming the purpose of considering options, households is also uncertain and some they represent potential development of the responses might be influenced locations. by local knowledge of what is likely to be available in the area, for example 75. Within the village boundary, the the cost or size of dwellings available sites identified by the SHLAA at the locally. Swan Inn, the Youth Centre and Land at Back Lane Cloister Walk would yield approximately 26 dwellings and there 1 4

77. If further housing growth is residents as important through the buildings at Highfields would also be considered for the village, options workshops. It is one of the main issues to be resolved. outside the current village boundary approaches to the village and the site will all lie within the adopted Green is on rising land. It would be seen as 81. A third potential Green Belt option Belt. Notwithstanding current policy, projecting in front of the Church Street not identified in the 2010 SHLAA but the merits of the options should be part of the Conservation Area, being brought forward by the considered. The 2010 SHLAA including the church. It is hard to landowner through the 2011 revision of identifies two significant green belt envisage how the site as proposed the SHLAA, is land fronting the north sites, which are identified as would have a ‘comfortable’ relationship side of Back Lane. Here two sites are deliverable in the short term, having with the existing village and would be suggested for frontage development current developer interest. likely to have a significant impact upon with a total capacity of around 10 the relationship between the village dwellings. A further area of land 78. One of these sites is located on the and its landscape and upon the setting fronting Back Lane is not currently west side of Common Lane adjacent to of the Conservation Area. being brought forward but is similarly the village and on the approach from located and which if incorporated into the south. It is estimated to have a 80. The site at Huddlesford Lane is these areas would increase the total capacity of 39 dwellings, on 2.19 somewhat larger than the Common capacity to around 15 dwellings. There hectares. The second site is located Lane site and is proposed by the site is currently sporadic development on Huddlesford Lane and would be a promoters for around 60 dwellings. It along this part of Back Lane, which is westward extension of the village. It is has a different physical relationship to fully developed on its opposite side. estimated to have a capacity of around the existing village in a number of The areas of open land are not on any 60 dwellings on 2.69 hectares. ways. The landform in this part of the approach to the village, although they village is flatter and although there are do provide views out of the village from 79. The site on the west side of gentle slopes away from the village, Back Lane to the countryside. The Common Lane abuts the village these are not visually significant. most appropriate form of development boundary and the Conservation Area Huddlesford Lane is not one of the for these sites would be frontage and would effectively form a southern main approaches to the village, but development and this would give rise extension to the village up to the nevertheless the village can be to deep plots at relatively low density. boundary of the school site on the approached from this direction and the opposite side of the road. The SHLAA visual impact of an extension of the process did not identify any significant village into open countryside is a constraints to development of the site, consideration. The site is also on the however in terms of a comparison of edge of the Conservation Area, which potential sites there is an issue of here extends into Huddlesford Lane to visual impact to consider and effect include Highfields and Hillfield upon the setting of the Conservation Cottage. The width of Huddlesford Area. This site is on one of those Lane and the ‘pinch point’ created by approaches to the village identified by 1 5

D. Towards a Vision for the use more renewable energy and 87. A consistent theme raised Future promote carbon reduction. Some throughout the project was the issue of thought that they wanted Whittington poor access to, and slow speed of, Summary and Observations on to become an ‘exemplar’ in the use of broadband. ‘What You Said’: renewable energy. Although there were few specific proposals this was 82. Throughout the rural taken to mean principally the use of masterplanning project it was clear wind, solar and water power. from the views expressed that people liked living in Whittington and valued it 85. In the context of a largely ‘stable’ as a compact community with a good village in terms of its size, priorities for community spirit having good access the future were measures to reduce to nearby towns. Most villagers who speeding, improvements to facilities participated were happy with their for children and younger people and village, took the view that environment improvements to public transport. A and quality of life should be protected section of Church Street and the Dog and were consequently concerned Inn crossroads were seen as an area about the possibility of it expanding of particular concern where there was beyond its current size. They were on-street parking but also speeding concerned that growth would traffic but other problem locations potentially result in an erosion of the were noted including the section of community spirit and the character of Main Street that bends, between the Church Street old post office and ‘The Bell’, and the village. At the February workshops 88. From the local perspective the there was a discussion about the size outside the school at start and finish times. future for the village and a vision of of the village and many people agreed what it should be like, should be based that the village was of a size to support around the desire to improve those a range of community facilities and 86. Most people considered there to be a good range of facilities in matters that affect or improve further activities, but was still sufficiently small the quality of life and potentially those for people to ‘know each other’. Whittington, however views were expressed on potential improvements ambitions seeking a more sustainable way of life. 83. There was a recognition that the to local facilities and activities Barracks and its’ community were also including a secure play area, seating Conclusions on Housing important. areas, a skate park, a 24 hour cash point, increasing the mobile library Development Potential: service and a need for an NHS dentist. 84. Whittington is one of the villages 89. Taking account of local views on Some people noted that there was a where there is a group of people who development, the District Council new recreation field and a new cricket are concerned about the need to nevertheless has an obligation to contribute locally towards efforts to ground to come. 1 6

consider future housing needs within a in the Green Belt, with three such belt boundary changes implied by the Local Development Framework and to options identified above. There is a release of large scale sites. assess at a local level whether there is question however of whether the potential of villages to contribute to Whittington should make such an 94. There is one issue particular to meeting housing needs, either arising additional contribution to housing Whittington that may be worthy of from within the village, from the needs in the area and also of whether consideration in terms of potential District, or a wider area. there would be any benefits arising exceptional circumstances. There is a from further growth. long established trend towards a fall in 90. There seems to be a degree of the average number of persons consensus in the village that it is about occupying a single household and this the right size now to retain a close knit fall is forecast to continue. This means community and support a range of that no development at all would mean local facilities, services and activities. gradual fall in population, with a Most people however also seemed to consequent impact on the ability to accept that the redevelopment of the sustain local services, such as shops, identified sites within the village was or result in falling school rolls. The acceptable and could contribute capacity identified within the village, towards meeting some local needs, around 33 – 38 dwellings, is the particularly if property size and cost smallest capacity of any of the larger were appropriate. freestanding villages in Lichfield Old school building on Church Street District. For comparison, capacity 91. Such an approach would yield within Armitage with Handsacre is 106 around 33 to 38 dwellings, provided 93. National planning policy requires dwellings, within Shenstone is 136 site development issues could be ‘exceptional circumstances’ to be dwellings, and within Alrewas is 63 – resolved. All of this growth in dwellings demonstrated to justify amending 73 dwellings. would be in relatively small existing green belt boundaries. The redevelopment or infill sites that would question therefore arises in relation to 95. The effect of falling household size contribute to an ‘organic’ form of all of the greenfield sites is whether is shown at the District level within the growth for the village because of the there is any need for such a scale of population and household forecasts individually small sites. Such an development that would amount to the recently prepared by the County approach would seem most ‘exceptional circumstances’. In the Council. Between 2008 and 2033 the appropriate to achieve the objectives absence of a District housing District population is forecast to be identified by residents of retaining the requirement set by a statutory almost static, showing a slight decline character and overall size of strategic level of planning, or work that by 2033, to 97,150 compared to Whittington. clearly establishes housing needs 98,040 in 2008, despite an increase in within the area, it is difficult to identify the number of households by 2,310, 92. Any further development would the specific exceptional circumstances from 40,231 to 42,509. mean resorting to land that is currently that would justify the significant green 1 7

96. It is impossible to be certain about 97. Should expansion of the village Environmental: the effects of falling household size into the Green Belt be considered over a 20 year period, but it is likely appropriate in the circumstances, then • Maintain and improve the that completion of under 40 dwellings it is considered that expansion of the architectural and environmental quality over the period would be likely to lead larger sites currently identified would of the Conservation Area and the to a largely static or slightly declining not be as sympathetic to the character village environment, in particular population. of the village and the nature of organic through measures including careful growth as would the development of control over existing development, and Development Potential Current smaller sites, which along Back Lane by ensuring a high quality of design in Capacity Status would have substantially less impact. new development that respects the In priority order it is therefore existing architectural and Sites with planning 2 Infill Main recommended that Back Lane would environmental qualities of the village. permission @ 1/4/10 St. be preferred, followed by the land at • Maintain the established Identified infill sites 26 Infill and Huddlesford Lane, should such a need in village boundary redevelop for a larger scale site be identified. development form limiting new in 2010 SHLAA ment sites development to infill and in SHLAA 98. The suggested scale of growth for redevelopment with no expansion into Whittington over the period of the the green belt. Potential new infill 5 - 10 Infill at Local Development Framework from sites Chapel La. 2010, based upon this assessment of • Ensure an improvement in the /Blacksmith quality and safety of the environment Lane options is summarised in the Table below. within the heart of Whittington by Greenfield sites 0 securing additional traffic management outside village Guiding Principles: along Church Street and Main Street boundary that will slow traffic movement and 99. Taking into account the range of improve Total Suggested 33 - 38 community views expressed, the Housing Growth CABE recommendations and other • Consider opportunities to relevant considerations contained establish and use renewable energy Greenfield, green 15 Green principally in evidence prepared for the resources to serve the village, firstly belt options subject Belt at by researching the feasibility and to established need. Back Local Development Framework, it is Lane considered that the following Guiding impact of implementing local or micro Principles for Whittington should be solutions for wind power and solar 60 Land at the subject of further discussion with energy. Huddlesford the local community and stakeholders. Lane

1 8

Social: • Ensure any housing continue to offer a wide range of development is of a high quality of local services, social and • Enhance the range of facilities design, form and layout, reflecting, the recreational activities and be a available to children and younger character of the Conservation Area, place where the environmental people through the amount, quality the range of vernacular house types impact of necessary traffic and distribution of play facilities and and styles present in Whittington and movement is controlled to ensuring continued high quality of ensuring a positive contribution to the acceptable limits. spaces and equipment. Conservation Area. The vital contribution made to the • Retain the current level and Economic: character of the village by the variety of shopping at the heart of the Conservation Area should be village and improve the quality of the • Maintain a local employment recognised through continued physical environment related to them base within the village by providing the protection and enhancement. environment for local businesses to • Seek to improve the quality of thrive. Whittington should accommodate facilities for bus services, investigating only a small scale of new in partnership the opportunities for • Ensure that relationships are development within the village improved access and shelters. maintained between the village and directed principally towards Whittington Barracks seeking meeting local housing needs. Housing: continuation of mutual benefits related to business, employment and social Other Recommendations for • Allow redevelopment for housing activity Whittington within the settlement boundary, through the sensitive development of A Draft Vision for Whittington: 101. Following the resolution of the infill and redundant sites, respecting issue of the scale of housing need for the need to retain buildings where they 100. For the purposes of guiding the the District appropriate to be make a positive contribution to the direction of future policy for the village, accommodated within the Local Conservation Area. in particular through the Local Development Framework, there is a Development Framework, need to confirm whether the • Enhance the range of housing consideration should be given to a development of small-scale Green Belt opportunities locally for specific groups Vision statement for the village. The sites on the periphery of Whittington at including affordable housing younger following initial statement is suggested Back Lane, or Huddlesford Lane, people and smaller accommodation to as a basis for further local discussion: should be carried forward. allow for downsizing, subject to establishing, through evidence, the Whittington should remain a 102. There are a group of residents of most appropriate local provision in compact, stable, safe and Whittington who are motivated to terms of type and tenure. progressive community with a high pursue opportunities for the quality environment. It should establishment of Whittington as a1 9

village that exploits renewable energy community. Whilst for Whittington at a local level to move towards a there have been a number of events more sustainable future. Consideration where participation has been achieved needs to be given as to if and how and this report is based upon the local authorities at all levels could views expressed, it is recognised that assist in this process. these contributions were fairly limited in terms of the number of people 103. In order to consider the potential directly contributing and therefore for traffic management and public further consultation is desirable. transport improvements within the village, consultation needs to take 105. Next steps in the process should place with the County Council as therefore seek more local community transportation authority and with bus input. This should be designed to operators. 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 housing.

Whittington event February 2011

Next Steps:

104. This village report is intended to be of use by the community itself as well as by Lichfield District Council as local planning authority. All community involvement exercises normally achieve access to only a limited number of members of any 2 0

WHITTINGTON

APPENDIX:

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

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

General comments about Whittington Sheepwash Farm – a farm? More an industrial zone these days with articulated lorries to-ing and fro-ing along lanes which cannot sustain continual use. Plus tractors – also huge vehicles travelling much too quickly and often dangerously wide if towing harrow etc. which are very dangerous at night as they are without lights! Dialogue with the Barracks and its community Keep the Old School, dated 1864 Need to keep the School in Main street. No more extensions to the Hospice.

Environment Relax planning restrictions so we can have solar panels in the Conservation Area

Development views - general Huddlesford Lane development quite undermines the village boundary. This + HS2 undermines the concept of green belt and encourages infill over a large area All development needs restricting in order that Whittington remains a village Don’t build on Green Belt

Traffic and traffic management We don’t needs loads of humps and bollards in the way on our roads, which I interpret ‘traffic calming’ to mean. Perhaps a slower speed restriction? I drive at 20 – 30 through the village anyway. 20 mph limit in the village (to include trains!) Traffic problems are not confined to the ‘Dog Inn’ junction – should include outside the school, Church St., Main St. etc. – 20 mph through village. The density of heavy vehicles through the village has grown to quite a worrying level I feel the most important thing the village needs is for the roads to be safe. We need more 30 mph signs. Main Street with its bends is I feel a dangerous road. We need a 20 mph limit. Dangerous areas of the village re traffic – crossroads at the Dog and the bend from the old Post Office to The Bell. Dangerous for kids so difficult to give them independence. Traffic concerns, particularly the ‘Dog’ crossroads. Roads are not adequate for the volume of traffic. All the village should be a 20 mph zone.

Public transport While public transport – i.e. bus – is good and reliable it is expensive.

Getting about the village - walking/cycling

Village facilities Who can doubt that modern communications to the village – internet and mobile phones- are a major problem. Fix that and you could prevent lots of people having to block up roads by driving to their office Need an NHS dentist.

Housing The new village option sounds like the best way of 2 comments added, both ‘agree’ providing new homes without destroying the character of our existing villages No appreciable need for starter or retirement housing as demand is not sufficient. Also with 2 up 2 down cottages selling at £170K it would not stay affordable for long. Thought must be given to the village ‘ageing population’. New blood is needed although retaining the migration of young people away from the village could be helped by the provision of ‘affordable’ housing Whittington is calling out for smaller houses and flats for local families and couples, so they don’t have to leave the village. And please, please NO TO THE NEW VILLAGE OPTION. Whittington could take more houses, but they should be very good quality, sensitive to rural and historic environment There is a need for smaller accommodation - other than starter homes, to enable people to downsize and yet remain in the village. This in turn makes family property available to others. Extra Housing!!! Will they sell because of HS2? The village is large enough and any new building should be diverted away. The new village suggestion at seems the sensible option.

Likes and Dislikes, Natalie aged 10 I like: Parks, Pubs, Guides, Farms, Canal, Shops, Youth Club I don’t like: Cars driving too fast, Plans for HS2 Likes and Dislikes, Josh Brittan, aged 9 and Adam Brittan, aged 8 We like: the Parks, the School, I love the youth club. Please keep the youth club I go all the time. I love cubs, its amazing when we go on camp We don’t like HS2 plans, it’s just a noisy train going through the village and destroying it. Stop HS2 Note: * Column refers to comments written on or attached to an original post-it comment Priorities and Issues Results from 2011 Events: Whittington

Your top priorities Agree Disagree

You want to consider issues as a parish – e.g. the barracks 33 1 could offer opportunities and solutions to some issues, and need to be considered alongside the village. You want Whittington to be an example as to how local 24 3 communities can use renewable energies. You want young people to be engaged in planning and the 23 0 future of their communities.

Community activities and facilities

You said there was a good range of activities and facilities 31 0 including places for sport and recreation. You felt there are less facilities and activities for teenagers. 25 0 You said there is a good range of local shops and pubs. 18 11 You said young people need to be engaged in community 20 0 decisions

Transport You said you use public transport to Lichfield for shopping and 9 13 schools. Those of you who don’t use public transport said it was too 3 5 expensive, infrequent and unreliable. You said you wanted traffic management to reduce parking and 26 2 congestion issues that occur on some roads. You said that the village is a safe place to walk and cycle. 26 3

Housing You said there is a need for smaller starter homes for first time 18 14 buyers so they can stay within the village. You said there was also a need for specialist housing (e.g. 12 18 sheltered accommodation) to meet local needs.

Environment & Communication You said you want the village to be an example of how 17 1 communities can use renewable energies. You said you like the rural atmosphere and access to the 31 0 countryside. A few of you said that you had problems with slow broadband 21 11 speeds and patchy mobile phone reception. You said you find out what’s going on through local 30 1 newsletters and newspapers along with connections to other villages through social groups.

What you want in the future You said you would like to see more starter homes to meet 17 16 local needs. You want to see improvements in facilities for young people 14 2 (e.g. skate park, play areas). You said you want better library access through increases in 5 3 the mobile library service. You want to protect the environment and rural character of the 40 0 village. You want to promote carbon reduction and want the village to 19 1 be seen as an example of how communities can respond to ‘green’ issues. You want measures to reduce speeding 27 2 You want to see improvements to public transport. 11 0

Note on Workshops Plans.

Introduction: The Whittington event was held on 25th February 2011. Following the presentation by CABE,* those attending formed three separate workshop groups that 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 The village ‘nestles’ in the countryside Good views into the village from several points outside The railway is an edge/boundary There are some views to the cathedral spires from the countryside around the village There is fast moving traffic and parking on Church Street There are rural surroundings The village has a ‘community feel’ – related to size Its range of facilities is important – shops, pubs, school, village hall, church hall, allotments, tennis courts

Environment There are important trees in various locations – recreation ground, Back Lane, Whittington Wood are identified Railway noise A possible community orchard suggested as an idea – the Glebe Land suggested as suitable location

Communications and traffic management Need to be realistic about the parking needs Needs more off road parking (need to take account of limited potential?) ------ Both through traffic and local traffic a issue on the village roads A 20 mph zone could cover the whole village A need to promote more walking Provide a farm vehicle route for Sheepwash Heavy traffic from Sheepwash Farm noted Farm – across railway to the north (no route ------ identified)

Development and Housing Issues No sprawl (does this mean no village Retain existing village boundary. Don’t No extension to the village boundary and extension?) want significant expansion – result in loss preserve the Green Belt. ------ of identity. ------ ------ No gated communities Need for sensitive traditional architecture Need for starter homes and sheltered housing Need for affordable housing: ------  Warden controlled to allow downsizing  Starter homes for village children Youth club/land associated with, suggested as Smaller properties on youth club site suitable for sheltered housing ------ A larger village would result in a reduction in the character that makes the village desirable (has to do with scale?) New housing on the approaches to the village would overshadow and dominate the conservation area 3 infill sites suggested:  Youth club/land to rear  Land between Chapel La. and Blacksmiths La.  The Swan public house Keep separation between the village and the barracks

Village facilities Need broadband New recreation field and cricket ground to come

Evolution of Whittington

d a o R n o t r u B

ne La ck Ba

t e e r t S

hurc n C h Stre i et a

M

Key

Conservation Areas Fisherwick Road Mixed Ages

e

n Pre 1900 a L

n Pre 1920s o m

m o 1930s C 1940s 1950s 1960 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s Appendix 4

Development Potential within Whittington 2006 - 2026

Site reference Location Status No. dwellings No. Affordable Completions 2006- Mar 2010 05/00833/OUTM Whittington Grange School 12 0 03/01468/FUL 264 Land r/o Swan Cottages 1 06/00749/FUL 257 Spinney End, The Green 1 0/01115/FUL 14, Peregrine Close 4 07/00496 365 34, Church St. 1 Sub Total 19 0

With Planning Permission @1/4/10 09/00227/FUL629 Land north of 51, Main Street 2 Sub Total 20

Deliverable and within Village Boundary 8 Whittington Youth Centre 10 2 - 4 101 Cloisters Walk 8 1 - 3 The Swan Inn 81-3 Sub Total 26 5 - 10

Developable and within Village Boundary 0 Sub Total 00

Development Potential 2006 – 2026 within Village Boundary Completed 06/10 19 0 With planning permission 04/10 20 Deliverable 26 5 - 10 Developable 00 Total 47 5 - 10

264 546

154

629

Lichfield District Council Lichfield District Council

365

101 257

8 165

SHLAA Assessment Sites by Deliverability Legend Whittington 431 NOT TO SCALE LichfieldComplete District Council Deliverable 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.