Controversial plans for green belt near Lichfield to be presented next week

The Ford Lane in Chorley, near Lichfield, scheme has been called in by Councillor Rob Strachan due to concerns over its impact on the openness of the Green Belt and its effect on neighbouring properties.

The site has a long history of planning disputes, including two enforcement notices issued in 2023. One notice required the removal of a first-floor extension, which has since been complied with. The second notice mandated the demolition of two dormer windows at the front and rear of the property, which remain in place.

The council has stated that it reserves the right to prosecute for non-compliance with the enforcement notice. However, the current application seeks to retain the front and rear dormer windows while also incorporating Juliet balconies, roof lighting, and a single-storey rear extension.

Planning officers have recommended approval of the scheme. However, Cllr Strachan has argued that, given the site’s history of unauthorised development, planning appeals, and enforcement action, the decision should be made by the full committee rather than through delegated officer powers.

He stated: “This application comes at the conclusion of nearly six years of unauthorised development, planning appeals, and enforcement activity. Given the history, I feel it is more appropriate that it be determined by committee rather than under planning officers’ delegated powers.”

In recommending approval, planning officers acknowledged the harm caused by the proposal but justified their decision by citing special circumstances.

Their report states: “The above report identifies that the proposed scheme causes harm by reasons of inappropriateness and effect on openness of the West Midlands Green Belt. Significant weight is attached to this harm.

“This report has addressed the issues surrounding the impact of the proposal on the character of the area and the standard of residential amenity and has found that the proposed development would meet all the guidance contained within the Council’s supplementary planning document, as well as local and national policy.”

They concluded: “Officers have carefully balanced the development and found that the considerations identified in the report, along with the strong fallback position (i.e., the rear extension, which could be implemented under prior approval consent), outweigh the harm in this case. It is therefore considered that very special circumstances justify the granting of planning permission.”