7. Results from ‘drop-in’ space

Key themes

• Major concern about the location of the bus stop. As with other engagement events, the bus station emerged as a key concern in comments submitted by residents, who want to see it remain on site, or in the near vicinity.

• Residents want leisure options such as swimming pool, gym, indoor sports etc. Lichfield is frequently seen as lacking leisure facilities. ‘A leisure centre/ affordable housing.’ ‘The sports centre should go Birmingham Road site for ease of access for everyone in the area and less use of cars.’ ‘Swimming pool next to bus station, gym/fitness above bus station.’

• Houses should have affordable 1 and 2 bedroom units for younger age groups. A consistent concern from residents has been the need for smaller homes. ‘1 & 2 bed houses on spare land . ’ ‘A coach park for visitors plus 2 bedroom houses opposite St John’s Almshouses.’

• Shared open spaces for gathering a popular idea . Residents also expressed a desire for more communal public space, in which public events and activities can be held: ‘A shared open space which can be used by all age groups with activities e.g table tennis potential for pop up areas for community/ charity events/ no parking keep pedestrianised . ’ ‘Market on the corner with vintage farmer/specialist/craft stalls each day, like Spitalfields in London.’

• Calm Birmingham Road to make the site a gateway to Lichfield and pedestrianise the development. Comments showed residents are fearful of cars on Birmingham Road, which severs the site from the Lichfield City Station. Comments also expressed a preference for site to be pedestrianised: ‘Calming of Birmingham road to reduce barrier effect.’

• There is some opposition to all development. following other engagement events, a minority of residents feel the site is not appropriate for any significant development at all (7 per cent of comments). ‘Not housing or flats – it is in the wrong location if no other commercial use can be found then convert it into a park/green space to welcome visitors to Lichfield . ’ ‘Open park and not to be built on – bus station to remain where it is, links easily with station.’