Last chance to give your views

Published on Friday, 17th August 2012

Richard King, Director of Development Services, with the draft Local Plan Lichfield District Local Plan

Lichfield District Council is calling for local people to give their views on the district's new Local Plan this summer.

The council will be hosting two drop-in events on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 August, to make it easy for people to come along, find out more and have their say.

Cllr Alan White, Cabinet Member for Development Services, commented: "Every council needs a Local Plan that explains where and what type of developments can take place locally. We've been developing the Lichfield District Local Plan over the past few years and thousands of local people have given us their views. Before we submit our Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate in October for examination, we're keen to give local people one last chance to have their say."

The formal consultation period on Lichfield District's new Local Plan started in July and many people have already given their views online, by email and in writing.

Cllr Alan White continued: "Lots of people have already given us their views, but, because this is such an important document for the district, we're keen to make it easy for everyone to get involved. That's why we are holding two consultation events this August. We would encourage anyone with views on how the district should be developed to drop into the events, speak to the officers and give their views."

The first event will take place at Burntwood Leisure Centre on Tuesday 28 August between 10am and 2pm. The second event will take place in Planning Reception at District Council House, Frog Lane on Wednesday 29 August between 10am and 2pm. Officers will be on hand to help people complete the standard representation form to ensure their views are taken into account by the Planning Inspector.

Historically, the Local Plan was called the Local Development Framework. In 2011 the Government asked all councils to change the name of the document to the Local Plan. Despite the change in name, all the work the council has carried out so far and all the comments people have given to the council on the Local Development Framework, have been included in the process.

Cllr White concluded: "If you can't make it to one of the drop-in events, it's still really easy to find out more and give your views. You can read our draft submission online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/localplan, in our Frog Lane reception, or in local libraries. If you want to make comments on our draft submission, you download and fill in a local plan representations form at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/representationform, or give your views online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/localplanviews. The deadline date for all comments is Monday 10 September 2012 at 5.15pm."

Extra information

This Local Plan will help to make sure the district is developed in the right way, including building the right number and types of houses, the right kind of shopping and recreation facilities, the right office and industrial spaces, as well as protecting our wildlife, landscapes, heritage and more.

Paper copies of the Proposed Draft Local Plan Submission, the Sustainability Appraisal, Consultation Statement and supporting documents are available to view at the following locations:

-         Lichfield, Burntwood, Brereton, Brownhills, Rugeley, Shenstone, Tamworth libraries (during normal   opening hours).
-         Mobile libraries (during normal opening hours).
-         The Old Mining College Centre, Chasetown - Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
-         Lichfield District Council House, Frog Lane Lichfield - Monday to Friday 8.45am - 5.15pm

There is an exhibition about the Local Plan at Lichfield District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, which is open Monday - Friday 8.45am - 5.15pm.