On Tuesday the Burntwood Town Council Meeting took place. Held at Burntwood Library the sole purpose of the meeting was for the Town Council to finalise its response to the proposals in the Preferred Option of Lichfield District Council’s Core Strategy in the Local Development Framework. You can read more about the Preferred Option here. It proposes the building of 750 new homes on green belt land on the south and south east edges of Burntwood.
The meeting was open to residents of the area and approximately 150 of them packed the library. Councillor John Walker, Chairman of Burntwood Town Council opened the meeting and explained that the first 15 minutes had been allocated to public debate of the issue. He informed the meeting that the Council had been approached by two action groups and that each had been allocated 5 minutes to present their arguments. The remaining time was available for individuals to make their points.
He introduced Michael Bate, representative of Burntwood Action Group who’s well considered, detailed and professional presentation made the following points:
Introduction
The Burntwood Action Group was formed recently in the light of a local landowner’s plans for a housing development on green belt land bordered by Lichfield Road and Farewell Lane to the east of Burntwood.
Before the publication of the preferred Option, the process of identifying land which could be developed identified the whole of the green belt land to the north of the existing settlement, stretching to Chorley and Gentleshaw. The Action Group set out to highlight this possible alternative route for development and to add its weight to the already overwhelming objection of residents to development on any green belt land around Burntwood.
In the last 5 days the canvassing of support from residents of the area has resulted in over 2000 letters of objection being lodged with Lichfield District Council. These letters object specifically to the plans for housing eastwards and generally to development on any green belt surrounding Burntwood.
Of the 4 options which we understand to have been considered prior to choosing the Preferred Option, the one which proposed a new settlement on mainly brownfield land near Fradley we consider a much more worthy option. It would not require the destruction of green belt land either in Burntwood or Lichfield.
Farewell Lane is the definitive eastern boundary of Burntwood and we see no reason why this should be breached. Any consideration by Lichfield District Council of the late proposal by the local landowner to build 377 new homes to the east of that boundary would be both premature and prejudicial to the Core Strategy.
Sustainable Development
Lichfield District Town Council claims that this underpins its Core Strategy. They state that their proposals will “improve our environment and ensure that natural resources needed for life are unimpaired and remain for future generations.”
The destruction of our green belt seems to contradict these policies, as does the crowding of more people together which does not appear to be in line with “Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society.”
Councillors will be familiar with “A Focus for Burntwood.” On Lichfield District Council’s website which states: “Our vision is that by 2021 Burntwood will be a sustainable town with a high quality, greener environment and with improved shopping and leisure facilities.” Obliterating our green belt does not sit well with those intentions.
Infrastructure
Burntwood already has a significant number of recently built houses which have increased population, traffic and pressure on resources.
The present road system is already very congested at peak times, with residents struggling to get into and out of Burntwood. Many more homes will take traffic beyond saturation point and slowly moving traffic will add greatly to pollution. “Rat runs” on inadequate country roads will become an even greater problem.
We understand that the disposal of sewage and household waste from the area is already a problem which will be exacerbated.
Amenities
In our view the introduction of almost 1000 new families to the area will push the already inadequate facilities beyond breaking point. The Council will be aware that there are already insufficient of the following to meet existing needs:
a) Schools: Fulfen School is already over subscribed. Children will have to travel further to school, worsening the existing the problem of congestion, safety and pollution at opening and closing times.
b) Medical facilities: There are already insufficient GPs and dentists in the area. Residents have to travel far to reach local hospitals. The replacing of our cottage hospital with housing has greatly exacerbated the situation.
c) Leisure facilities: Other than Burntwood Leisure Centre there is almost nothing. Proposals for the improvement of Burntwood Town Centre appear to be on hold.
d) Public transport: This has become increasingly patchy and sporadic.
e) Police: The local police station in Chasetown is not manned full time and emergency calls are often dealt with from Stafford.
f) Fire and ambulance/ paramedic services: None of these are based in Burntwood.
g) Parking: This is inadequate and roadside parking leads to congestion in many of Burntwood’s streets and roads. This also poses a serious safety problem.
Cause and Effect
The impact on the existing residents of Burntwood by the building of many more houses will be catastrophic. Many more people and vehicles could have an adverse effect on social relationships and lead to more conflicts. In particular, many more vehicles through villages and hamlets on the outskirts of Burntwood could sour relationships.
Destroying more green belt land affects the eco systems of the area. Instead of the pleasant vistas around the edges of Burntwood wildlife will disappear, and be replaced by pollution, congestion and friction.
We urge the Council to oppose the proposal for new homes adjacent to Farewell Lane and any other proposals for developing on green belt land. We ask them to lobby Lichfield District Council to reconsider previous options which would preserve our countryside and heritage for our children.
The speech ended with rapturous applause.
Mr Paul Chapman, The Chairman of the Burntwood and Hammerwich Action Group was then introduced.
He opened by saying that he could save 5 minutes of the Meeting time because most of his points had already been made and he endorsed all the points made by the previous speaker.
He stressed that Burntwood Town Council should oppose proposals to develop on any green belt land around Burntwood.
Councillor Bill Hassell was then asked to present the Council’s Sub-Committee’s response to Lichfield District Council’s Preferred Option.
Councillor Hassell presented the report, which mirrored almost exactly the points made by Michael Bate. His report proposed that Burntwood Town Council reject the Preferred Option and asked Lichfield District Council to reconsider its previous plans for a major settlement near Fradley.
A number of councillors spoke in support of this proposal and after a few minor amendments it was passed unanimously.
This was greeted by tremendous applause from the attending residents.
Chairman, Councillor John Walker expressed his thanks and appreciation to his colleagues and all those residents who attended and made it clear that he was delighted with such unanimity. He then closed the meeting.
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