Castle lighting at Land next to statue of Aethelflaed Castle Grounds Holloway, Tamworth

What was proposed

The application proposed a new lighting column and spotlights to improve illumination of the statue and nearby footpath.

“This report presents a full application for the installation of an additional lighting column and spotlights at Tamworth Castle in close proximity to the statue of Aethelflaed (aka Ethelfleda).”

“Proposal Description 1.5 The application seeks permission for the installation of an additional lighting column and the installation of a spotlight to an existing lighting column. The proposed new lighting installation is intended to better illuminate the Statue of Aethelflaed which is located just to the north of the path leading into the Castle Grounds from Holloway. The proposal would also improve lighting of the footpath in that location.”

Officer report

The site

The works were proposed within the publicly accessible grounds of a scheduled monument and conservation area, near a grade II listed statue.

“The proposed site is within the grounds of Tamworth Castle, a scheduled monument, and within the Tamworth Town Conservation Area which encompasses the Castle grounds. Within the grounds it is in close proximity to the grade II listed Statue of Aethelflaed which is located on the western side of the grounds close to the entrance into them from Holloway and at the base of the Castle motte.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier listed building consent for exterior lighting was approved, while an application for drainage, paving, landscaping and a new roof remained pending.

“0097/2021 Listed building consent for the addition of exterior lighting for the Castle and Tamworth Lodge as part of lighting upgrade works Approved 24/03/21 0017/2026 Drainage works, external paving / landscaping and new roof to Castle. Pending consideration…”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle, suitably designed, heritage-preserving, safe and unlikely to harm neighbouring amenity.

“The application is considered to conform with the policies above in seeking to enhance the appearance of a key part of the Castle Grounds. The proposal is therefore acceptable in principle.”

“The Conservation Officer went on to determine that “It is therefore considered that the proposal would preserve the heritage significance of the grade II listed Statue and the Tamworth Town Conservation Area. Consequently, the proposal complies with policies EN5 and EN6 of the Tamworth Local Plan, section 16 of the NPPF and the statutory duties of Sections 66 and 72 of the of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation officer and Historic England raised no objections, while no environmental protection comments were received.

“Tamworth Borough Council Conservation Officer: No objections (11/05/26) - The lighting column is modest in scale and height and has a traditional appearance that would be consistent with other existing street furniture in situ around the Castle Grounds.”

“Historic England: No objections (7/4/26) Historic England noted that it had no comments to make on the planning application, having already considered the proposal within the context of a Scheduled Ancient Monument application, which is separate to the planning application process. Historic England provided a copy of the Scheduled Ancient Monument consent which was issued on 13/02/2026”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Adjacent residents were notified, but no neighbours or members of the public submitted responses.

“As part of the consultation process adjacent residents were notified. A press notice was published on 02/04/26 and a site notice was posted on 31/03/26. At the time of writing this report, no responses from neighbours or members of the public have been received.”

Officer report

Committee presentation

The planning officer presented the application and noted an amendment to the fourth condition.

The final conditions

The permission included three original conditions and replaced the fourth with automatic lighting controls using ambient light monitoring.

“The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“The lighting hereby approved shall be controlled and activated by external ambient light level monitoring photo electric switches and retained as such for the life of the development.”

Minutes