230-home development at Land East Of Fradley Lane, Fradley, Lichfield

The site

The approximately 15-hectare site is open arable land east of Fradley, bounded by Fradley Lane, Church Lane and the A38.

“The application site relates to a c. 15ha area of land located to the east of Fradley, bound by Fradley Lane to the south and southwest, Church Lane to the west and northwest and the A38 to the east. Public Rights of Way (PRoW) cross the central area of the site from west to east – Fradley 17 and 19, as well as north to south Fradley 18.”

“The site is in existing use as open arable land. Existing access to the site is provided off two gated entrances from Fradley Lane and Church Lane. The A38 is accessed from a junction immediately to the south of the site, which is a location identified for junction improvements in the Local Plan. The site is classified as Grade 3 agricultural land which is considered to be ‘Good to Moderate’.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, giving significant weight to housing delivery and proposed mitigation.

“The proposed development would see up to 230 dwellings delivered on a site which is not in the Green Belt, and which is considered to be in a sustainable location. The Council are unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, with the latest published position being 3.65-years – which may in fact be worse still if the applicant’s suggested position is correct (2.42-year supply).”

“The Authority is satisfied, that subject to suitable measures that there will be no adverse impact on protected or priority species and ecological habitats. Regarding drainage, residential amenity, and the development’s impact on the surrounding landscape, it is considered that adequate mitigation is provided and that, subject to appropriate conditions, no material harm will be caused.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers considered housing need, access, drainage, ecology, landscape, residential amenity, heritage and planning obligations.

“It is considered that the determining issues relevant to the assessment of this proposal are:”

“Policy & principle of development • Urban Design & Conservation • Access • Residential amenity • Impact on Arboriculture and Ecology • Flood Risk and Drainage • CIL/Planning obligations • Human rights…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Final consultees generally supported the scheme conditionally, including highways, drainage, ecology, heritage, minerals and National Highways.

“National Highways – Final (14.03.2025) – Conditional approval – Recommended conditions, which are reflected in the draft conditions list.”

“Lead Local Flood Authority – Final (18.08.2025) – Conditional Approval – the applicant has submitted evidence to demonstrate that a viable drainage strategy for the proposed development scheme is…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector, a ward member and the applicant made representations before the application was considered.

The vote

The committee unanimously approved the application and added conditions requiring a drainage survey and measures recommended by the Badger Trust.

“25/00046/OUTM - Land East of Fradley Lane Fradley (Deferred Item)”

“RESOLVED: Unanimously approved with additional conditions to secure a pre commencement drainage survey covering Church Lane and to add two conditions as recommended by the Badger Trust.”

Minutes