Little Aston’s first Neighbourhood Plan was made in 2016. The Neighbourhood Plan is a land use plan which directs future development in the area. Along with the Lichfield Local Plan, it is used to determine planning applications in Little Aston. The 2016 Plan covered changes to the green belt, housing design and density, walking, cycling and the provision of community facilities.
The current 2016 Neighbourhood Plan covers the period to 2029. This is fast approaching and so it is necessary to review and update the Plan. Work was commenced in 2023 and we are now at the stage of presenting our proposals and asking you, the community, what have we missed?
Scan this QR code to access the 2016 plan document
We are holding a drop-in consultation event where more detail will be provided about the proposed changes to the Little Aston Neighbourhood Plan. We hope you can attend and give us your views.
The consultation event details are as follows:
Date: Monday 18th March 2024
Time: 3pm – 7pm (drop in at any time)
Location: Little Aston Village Hall, Little Aston Lane, BU74 3UF
If you can’t make the event but would like to comment, please contact the Shenstone Parish Clerk on 01543 481947.
Email: admin@shenstone-staffs.gov.uk
Post: Shenstone Parish Council, 25C Main Street, Shenstone, WS14 OLZ
What is proposed to stay the same?
The bulk of the 2016 Neighbourhood Plan remains unchanged. It will still include policies relating to:
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Design of residential infill and backland development (outside Little Aston Park) – this must still protect the amenity of neighbours and avoid over-developing sites.
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Design and density of development in Little Aston Park – development must still be accommodated on plots of at least 0.5 acres.
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Pedestrian safety and public transport – the plan still encourages proposals that improve safety for pedestrians and safe access to public transport.
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A new community hub – this is still supported on land north of Little Aston Lane provided it does not conflict with the green belt designation.
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Light pollution – development must still minimise light pollution.
What is proposed to be removed?
Two policies have been removed as they are no longer relevant:
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The policy making a minor amendment to the green belt to correct a mapping error. This has now been completed.
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A policy requiring high quality broadband connections as this is now a requirement of national policy.
What new matters does the Neighbourhood Plan Review look to cover?
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New walking and cycling routes
The Review proposes two new circular walking and cycling routes to add to the existing route in the Neighbourhood Plan.
It also proposes that Forge Lane is designated a ‘Quiet Lane’.
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Wildlife-friendly development
The Review suggests ways that development can achieve ‘biodiversity net gain’ through design of features on buildings that encourages wildlife to thrive. This includes:
Swift Bricks
Green roofs on bin stores
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Low energy and energy efficient design
The Review cannot require development to be as energy efficient as possible (national policy prevents this). But it can encourage development to achieve highly energy efficient buildings through design.
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Renewable energy and energy efficient measures affecting heritage
Development in the Little Aston Conservation Area or on listed buildings can be restricted from putting in energy efficient measures because of heritage considerations. Examples include double glazing and solar panels. The Review proposes a more permissive approach to retrofitting, provided the measures use materials and designs that are sensitive to local heritage.
THERE WILL BE MORE DETAIL AT THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION EVENT ON 18TH MARCH.
COME ALONG AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK