LICHFIELD SETS PRECEDENT IN HS2 NATIONAL PLANNING LAWS
The Chairman of the House of Commons HS2 Committee, Robert Syms MP, has written to Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, asking that national planning guidance be changed following rulings made by Lichfield District Council planners. Michael Fabricant has added his support and Lichfield District Council face being called before the Committee in Westminster if progress isn’t made.
Michael Fabricant says: “My constituents and residents of Lichfield District, Mr and Mrs Sadler, own a farmhouse which will be badly affected by the route of HS2. The Council has agreed that the Sadlers can build a replacement farmhouse on their land, further away from the high speed line and HS2 Limited have agreed to pay compensation and the costs of building a new home provided that HS2 Limited can take possession of the original home which will be alongside the track. But Council officials are demanding that the original home be demolished because it is in ‘green belt’ and an additional home is not permitted.
“But how can an area of land remain designated as ‘green belt’ when a ruddy great railway line is running through it? This is patent nonsense and the Council should designate an alternative and replacement area of land as green belt which they are allowed to do.
“I was keen that the Committee consider the line of the HS2 route from the midlands first of all and then work southwards so that local petitions for changes in the route could be considered without delay. As the Chairman of the Committee says in his letter to Eric Pickles ‘we suspect’ the Sadlers’ position ‘will not be unique’ and for that reason, they are seeking a change in planning guidance. So Lichfield District Council’s initial decision has set a precedent all along the route right down to London. Many other councils will be similarly affected.
“I have written to Lichfield District Council asking them to reconsider their decision and to Eric Pickles asking that he act swiftly to change or clarify planning guidance in these instances.
“In the meantime, I wish the Sadlers well at this difficult time” adds Michael.