City centre redevelopment plans have moved one step closer to reality after permission was passed to demolish a multi-storey car park.
Lichfield District Council will be knocking down the Birmingham Road car park said to be in a poor state of repair as part of wider plans for the area which also involve a cinema scheme in the former Debenhams building within Three Spires Shopping Centre.
As part of approval being granted for the demolition of the car park, permission has been given for the temporary erection of 15 food and retail units in timber ‘hut’ style buildings.
Some representations were received objecting to the scheme for reasons including loss of parking facilities and the new outlets taking business away from others nearby.
But the plans were recommended for approval and passed by councillors.
A report submitted to the council’s planning committee before deciding on the plans read: “The proposed development is considered to present social, economic and environmental benefits. Including increased footfall to Lichfield City Centre and creates an employment space for pop up style businesses.”
It added: “The proposed development would result in the loss of the multi-storey car park.
“However, it has been demonstrated that through various surveys and counts the multi-storey car park is not fully utilised to its full capacity.
“Additional parking provision has been provided within the immediate area and as such, it is considered the city centre can accommodate the loss of the parking at this site and there would still be satisfactory provision for the city.”
The council has previously said that after demolition, the site will be used for temporary activities until construction of permanent new city centre amenities begins over the next few years.
