David Smith

Following a debate on Monday 24th Lichfield District Council  responded to the Government's proposals on eco-towns. The outcome was the unanimous rejection of the present plans. A copy of the full report can be seen on the Council's website.

The formal response is detailed below:

Eco-towns - Living a greener future: Consultation Response

I refer to the above consultation and write on behalf of Lichfield District Council. On the 23^rd June 2008, the District Council received and considered a detailed report on the issue of Eco-towns and the possibility of such a development taking place at Curborough within Lichfield District.

Before commenting on the outcome of the meeting I would like to correct certain misleading statements made in connection with the proposed Eco-town location of Curborough and the site itself contained in the Government's consultation document Eco-towns: living a greener future.

It is stated that the proposed Eco-town would lie beyond the north eastern edge of Lichfield, however its proposed centre would be only 4 km. from the city centre, not 7km. Furthermore, at its nearest point physical separation would be only 1km.

The site is described as being brownfield with hardstanding and old airfield buildings.  The site in reality is substantially Greenfield, approximately 90% in extent. There is additional brownfield land on the former  Fradley Airfield, but this does not form part of the submitted Eco-town proposal.

On the issue of employment, the consultation document claims 7,000 jobs will be achieved from development at Fradley Park, adjacent to the proposed site. It should be recognised that current employment is thought to be around 3,000 jobs. 7,000 is very much an estimate of ultimate employment and would depend upon the mix of employment that is achieved.

After a lengthy debate on the 23^rd June, the Full Council resolved the following:

• Whilst, Eco-towns incorporate many positive and welcoming elements of sustainable living questions are raised as to why such elements cannot be incorporated into all forms of development.
• The District Council has serious concerns about the selection process for the consideration of Eco-towns - the decision-making process for the consideration of the concept of Eco-towns and the suitability of individual proposals and their respective contributions to meeting Housing figures should be undertaken within and as part of the existing established Development Plan process
• The District Council vehemently opposes the potential development of an Eco-town at Curborough within Lichfield District - the proposed Eco-town development at Curborough would be in conflict with the current Development Plan as it applies to the West Midlands Region and Lichfield District. It would further be contrary to the Draft Review of the West Midlands Spatial Strategy as submitted to the Secretary of State, and also potentially prejudice the preparation of the Lichfield District Local Development Framework
• Although, it is acknowledged that the Eco-town submission for Curborough is evolving and further work needs to be done to assess this, there are concerns based on the information available over the suitability of Curborough as a location for an Eco-town of any shape and form: these concerns being in respect of i) impact on the character and appearance of the adjacent historic city of Lichfield ii) implication for other existing towns and villages of Lichfield District iii) the effect of development on the local highway network and the important strategic A38 route iv) the potential loss of productive agricultural land and adverse impacts upon important woodland and biodiversity habitats.

That the Government be advised that the District Council is opposed to the principle of Eco Towns as currently proposed.

Further details explaining the basis for the resolution are appended to this letter and form part of the Council's response.

I would be pleased if you would note the above and take these views into account in taking forward the Eco-town agenda.

Finally, I would wish to confirm that the District Council wholly endorses the responses to the consultation being submitted by the Stoke and Staffordshire Planning Forum and the West Midlands Regional Assembly.

Yours faithfully

Richard King

Strategic Director - Democratic, Development and Legal Services.

Readers of today's Times newspaper will see what is claimed to be a vision of what the Government sees as the new eco-town concept.

It seems hard for me as a district resident of nearly 40 years to see who will want to live in a town where residents will have to park on the edge of the ec-town, and pay to drive their cars out of the eco-twon car park at peak times.

Houses will not have garages and homes will be so close together it will feel like you can't breath.

The estimated cost per house could be as much as £30,000 higher than a conventional house. Forests surrounding towns will provide the fuel for biomass boilers and the the town will have it's own recycling plant and wind farm.

I would be interested to hear your views on whether you would like to live in an eco town, right next to a biomass boiler, recycling plant, windfarm, and large car parks.

Despite years of complaints to Yellow Pages Directories they are still insisting that the whole of Burntwood and right down to Stonnall are in Walsall not Lichfield District.

Yes they have included an information page on Burntwood but where we want to buy our services locally or need local services we are being directed to Walsall and West Bromwich addresses. I will again attempt to change future directories for this and also Thompson Directories but it does seem that they are not interested in giving a service but just balancing distribution numbers.

As council Leader I have immense pride that we should be the home of the National Memorial Arboretum, it's a great tribute to those we have lost in so many wars. Every year on Remembrance Sunday my heart goes out to the family of a young man commemorated in Stonnall Church so tragically killed in the Falklands.

So I earnestly recommend everyone to pay the Centre a visit, to look at the blank wall waiting for names to be added of young men and women still so full of life that will undoubtedly fall in the service of their Country.

Since my last visit three more names will be added, take the time to pay your tribute at what you will find is both a moving and uplifting experience and shed a tear for a loved one.