Final opportunity for residents to review design code for Lichfield District

A photo of two building professionals.
A consultation on the Design Code Supplementary Planning Document runs until Monday 3 June.

Residents and stakeholders have a final chance to review the Design Code for improved future building development across Lichfield District by engaging with a formal consultation launched today.

The Lichfield District design code supplementary planning document has been informed by several rounds of consultation over the past year and will provide clear rules that developers must follow regarding building height, environment, conservation and heritage.

Developed with consultants BDP, the code reflects the various area types in the district; city centre, cathedral precinct, suburban, village, urban and employment and guides how proposed building development should look depending on the area type it is located in.

It does not dictate the architectural style of new developments but encourages high quality design that fits in with its surroundings and contains many specific coding principles which a development must comply with.

The development of the Design Code sought residents’ input from the outset. Community workshops and webinars were held last spring together with a survey. The draft code was then presented to councillors to review before a public consultation last Autumn where residents were invited to give their views on the draft code.  

Before it is adopted as a supplementary planning document a formal consultation will run over a six week period for final review and comments from today, Monday 22 April to Monday 3 June 2024.

Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Plan, Councillor Alex Farrell, said:

“The Lichfield District Council Supplementary Planning Document is a blueprint for future development across the district.

“It’s important for future prosperity and amenity so please engage with the consultation.

“The online document contains hyperlinks so it’s easy to navigate to areas of specific interest.”

The document is available to view on the Lichfield District Council website District design code (lichfielddc.gov.uk) and on the planning policy consultation portal.  

Hard copies of the document and comment forms will be available to view from Wednesday (24 April) at Lichfield District Council’s reception in Frog Lane, at Burntwood Town Council, The Old Mining College, Queen Street, Burntwood, at Burntwood Leisure Centre, High Street, Burntwood and Friary Grange Leisure Centre, Eastern Avenue, Lichfield.

Face to face sessions are also being planned during the consultation period. Please look out for details.

Comments on the document can be submitted to Lichfield District Council through the planning policy consultation portal, by email to developmentplans@lichfielddc.gov.uk  or by post to Policy and Strategy, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6YZ.

Published: 22 April 2024