Deadline for views on Fradley homes plan

LETTERS have gone out in Fradley asking for more feedback on a proposed 5,000-home settlement on the edge of the village.

Residents have just two weeks to get their voices heard on the Curborough Consortium's plan for land north east of Lichfield, on part of the former Fradley airfield.

As well as the 5,000 homes, the new community would incorporate a nursery, two primary schools and a secondary school with indoor and outdoor leisure facilities.

An application was originally submitted in October last year but has never been discussed by Lichfield District Council's planning committee.

A previous scheme for an eco town on broadly the same site was withdrawn after consultations with the Government.

"I find it hard to believe that the consortium is still pursuing these ridiculous proposals," said Richard Holloway, right, chairman of the campaign group Fradley Against Curborough Town (FACT).

"You would have thought they had learned from losing their fight on the eco town project."

The consortium's scheme includes extensive highways infrastructure, including a new junction on the A38 at Hilliards Cross and a bus-based park and ride.

Plans include a community centre, library, medical centre, place of worship, police post, offices, shops, restaurant and pub.

There is also provision for public open space, allotments, play areas, sports pitches and waste recycling facility.

"Why spend needless monies developing flawed plans which have already been kicked out at local and national levels?" added Mr Holloway.

"In addition to these flaws, the proposals are not even in line with the core strategy – the district council has made very clear that a new settlement is not part of the housing strategy for the Lichfield district."

The original Curborough plan included a 'renewable energy park', proposed for the other side of the A38 at Hilliards Cross.

This aspect comprised of wind turbines, biomass converters and a combined heat and power plant.

Additional information for the entire scheme, including an environmental statement, minerals survey and flood risk assessment, was recently received by the council on June 15.

The application can be inspected at the council house in Frog Lane, Lichfield, between 8.45am-5.15pm Monday to Friday, and also online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/site/index.php

Any queries may be directed to Will Brearley on 01543 308204 from 2.30pm onwards every day.

Comments can be submitted via the website or by emailing neighbour.responses@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Alternately, you can write to Mr Brearley at Lichfield District Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6YZ.

In all correspondence, the planning application number 08/00324/OUTM must be quoted.

All responses must be received by July 16.