I think the council are behind the loop, and in danger of spending thousands to change the character of Lichfield to no good end. “The choice is clear – spend at this time of uncertainty, or wait, acknowledge that retail development is no longer an option, and then consider other uses that are more likely to attract private sector investment.”. When I moved here it had a city swimming pool. Who needs prisons when the population is imprisoned in concrete. Not only that but if you research at least one of the very rich retirement home developers in Lichfield (and Bournemouth) you will find some very unpleasant reviews about their property resales. I hope but very much doubt, Cllrs will take this into account. Schemes available. More sporting and leisure facilities. Staffordshire Police recruit Neighbourhood Tasking Team officers to support local policing. For years residents have been telling the council what they want and sadly the ‘blue men and women’ never listen because they believe they know what’s best. Lichfield needs to think beyond that , maximise its many assets, and create opportunities which enhance and grow Lichfield’s uniqueness. Councillors have been urged to “acknowledge the uncertainties” of the current retail landscape when planning the future of Lichfield city centre. High streets as we know them are dead, the unique heritage qualities of Lichfield should be factored into plans. Gallery and studio space would be good. Find 1000s of local pregnancy, baby, toddler and pre-school services plus much more. “Impending planning legislation may encourage such conversions, possibly without the need to apply for planning permission. If all of the housing plan developments go ahead how many of the residents of Lichfield will be able to be crammed into Beacon Park if it is the only green space left in the city. My advice to potential buyers is ‘do not buy’ one of these so called ‘prestige’ retirement homes. Leisure facilities and a decent city centre as you say Clare. Planning just just needs a little imagination to incorporate both. St John's Grange is a new build development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom Houses for sale in Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9HS . It proposes the city be split into four quarters: But Lichfield Civic Society’s president Roger Hockney has questioned the decision to proceed with the masterplan at a time when the traditional shopping sector is facing a challenging period with the loss of several big name retailers, including Debenhams. “The future of the retail sector is uncertain. “In the face of limited demand for retail premises, vacant units may well be converted to residential use and there may be a contraction of commercial uses at the fringes of the city centre. proposes the city be split into four quarters, Lichfield passengers warned of disruption to Cross City Line services due to maintenance work, People in Lichfield and Burntwood invited to enter Staffordshire Day film competition, Plans for new swimming facility in Lichfield are approved, Women in Lichfield and Burntwood urged to get involved in sports coaching after lockdown ends, Bosses from Lichfield retailer to join International Women’s Day event, Students in Lichfield and Burntwood preparing to return to the classroom, Lichfield and Burntwood residents warned not to “mess this up” as coronavirus restrictions begin to be eased, Rare stamp collection expected to fetch £15,000 in Lichfield auction, Lichfield schoolboy who battled leukaemia taking on run to raise money for charity, Commissioner confirms Space programme will return for youngsters in Lichfield and Burntwood this summer, Chancellor’s budget has reassured communities, council leader says, Vehicle theft rates in Lichfield and Burntwood among the highest in Staffordshire, report reveals, Councillors told they are allowing Lichfield to be “encircled by new housing estates”, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. “There will be change, but the council appears not to acknowledge the current uncertainties.”. Who feel that life is but a joke That would bring families into the centre of Lichfield , rather than having a facility on the outskirts of town. A £330,000 budget has been set aside to bring in consultants to work on the initial delivery plan for the project, covering areas such as commercial property, parking and pedestrianisation. Advice given now may well be out of date within a year. Lichfield, Arts & Craft City, too clever for the dullards, not enough profit for the corrupt. “The sale of sites for residential development would generate finance to tackle the problems associated with the multi-storey car park. The conversation about this is really important. Village near Tamworth accelerates out of the broadband slow lane. We know that the Lichfield shopping area will be squeezed further between Tamworth and when the new designer village opens in Cannock, decisions need to be made as to what the future vision of Lichfield will be and what type of businesses will thrive in such an area? Winter support scheme still available for low-income families. Drayton Manor Park names meerkat after Janet Street Porter… and she loves it! It's part of the Black Country and within the wider West Midlands. FAMILIES struggling to heat their homes are being reminded that up to £200 financial support to pay their heating bills is still available. These would also attract visitors to the City as USPs. “The district council seems to assume that activity in the city centre will return to normal once the COVID pandemic has been defeated except, possibly, that some retail premises may be replaced by more hospitality outlets. Surely a centre without attractions and shopping potential is not a city at all. Lichfield District Council has drawn up a masterplan it hopes will shape the future of the area in the wake of the failed Friarsgate redevelopment. Elderly housing, more elderly housing and yet more elderly housing that’s all the planning dept and unimaginative councillors give us! Learn More{{/message}}. The hour is getting late”… Well said Jimmy. Codsall has expanded since World War II, forming the largest part of three adjoining villages (the others being Bilbrook and Oaken).It is the site of the headquarters of South Staffordshire District Council.It is twinned with the French commune of Saint-Pryvé-Saint-Mesmin.. Elliot's Field Retail Park is also nearby and is home to well known names such as Debenhams, Marks & Spencers and Caffè Nero. Staffordshire’s only 3* Rosette Restaurant continues ‘On The Top Table’ after Michelin Guide announcement, Santa’s coming! There's over 4,630 retailers to choose from and so far we've raised over £33 million for thousands of community groups, sports … And this is not our fate I would add that we also need our little green spaces for outdoor healthy exercise. If you ever find yourself in the West Midlands we would be delighted to see you at OUR FIRST LA MAISON BLEUE SHOP at HEART OF THE COUNTRY VILLAGE, a beautiful collection of exclusive designer shops at Swinfen, Nr. “It is premature to spend money engaging consultants in such a period of commercial instability unless they have a crystal ball. Just start your online shopping first at easyfundraising, then shop as normal. Retail chains and department stores will be available at Ventura Park and the new outlet village at Cannock, and anyway no longer flourish in towns. And what about a central leisure centre with a pool and maybe a bowling alley? Even prisoners have a yard to walk around. Why haven’t the lessons been learned? This could include all kinds of leisure and entertainment opportunities, cooking and art and craft demonstrations for example. In years to come people will be grateful that Lichfield did retain it’s character. Web Design Agency - Webforward. Staffordshire County Council is working with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local charity Beat The Cold to deliver the Covid-19 winter grant scheme. The slippery slope. Lichfield's only independent news publisher. Being a local who has lived in Lichfield all his life ,,52yrs, I can say that Lichfield has always been good for all ages and classes, apart for the past 10/15yrs. If you … It seems to imply housing, housing, bus station, housing. It is imperative the future of Lichfield Shopping Centre is got right. #Richard Green. With all the housing developments currently in the planning along with those already completed Lichfield is fast becoming like unto a prison. Once there is a clear vision for the future, then consultants can be instructed. 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It had historical and iconic hotels and pubs. One such headline about one of the homes built by the property developers who are developing Lichfield for our ‘benefit’ here in this city….. “My flat was £161,950 in 2007 – now I’m offered just £28,000”. Help!!! Retailers will then make a small donation to say “thank you”. “We acknowledge the need for commercial advice at the appropriate time, for the council has no in-house expertise to undertake the task, but we question if this is the right time during such a period of flux. From the Guardian newspaper in 2019. Don’t let’s lose them for the sake of so called progress and change. Not much to ask. This is why it needs someone with ‘vision’ and the ability to communicate with local businesses and the public in order to understand exactly what will prove to be a viable way forward. It is so frustrating when messers Wilcox and Eadie have caused so much destruction to Lichfield for years and continue to do so. It’s been ruined beyond repair. One that retains Lichfield a uniqueness. The most user-friendly UK pregnancy to pre-school resource. Most recent thinking suggests that towns should focus on experiences to attract people in. “Although our city centre has weathered the challenges of internet shopping and the pandemic better than those of many towns and cities, does the council not realise that the scale of change may be such that we will move to a ‘new normal’? Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Our non-for-profit, independent community journalism is produced by volunteers and survives thanks to your regular contributions. Furthermore yes a swimming pool. Alot of our pubs have gone, which created new friendships in the community,, now all what is wanted are coffee shops and high end restaurants, Lichfield is changing , and not in a good way, The Council do not need to employ expensive Consultants they have a City Centre and District full of free Consultants. More healthy exercise and foodstuffs = healthy individuals and less pressure on the NHS. What would visitors come to see, rest homes and tight packed housing estates? Is there any way out of here said the Joker to the clown. “No reason to get excited You may read more about our shop and history and find a map and address of our shop on our contact us page. ... New coronavirus testing site opens at Ankerside Shopping Centre. Remember what happened in the 60’s, every town centre bland, the same as we can now see suffering the results of that bad planning. Lichfield. I agree with Mr Hockney. The thief, he kindly spoke I agree with you Clare. I feel a sense of loss and am embarrassed that such change has happened in such a short time. It had cinemas. In addition to ... Top four storiesWhat's trending in Tamworth right now. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Communities in Tamworth will get extra support as the 2021 Census approaches, St Giles Hospice hailed for excellence of its education service, See the moment Police found an illegal nightclub and a dozen drinking at ‘The Covid Arms’, Local solicitors support Make Your Will Month to support St Giles Hospice, HiB wins Large Business of the Year at regional awards, Tamworth Enterprise College raises thousands in 100-squat challenge, UPDATE: Missing Tamworth teenager found safe. Prices from £249,950. It would be interesting to see a more specific breakdown of the quarter planning proposal. Hubs for those people with artisan food and coffee shops, WiFi, boutique and niche shops and those selling local produce will go a long way to sustaining town. For months I’ve thought that ploughing ahead with this right now is so very short sighted.