A key parcel of land on the Lichfield Canal route has been transferred to us from Staffordshire County Council so that work on the canal can continue.
The transferred land is on Falkland Road, from Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve through to Birmingham Road, a length of just under 670m.
The land was in the ownership of the County Council while the Lichfield Southern bypass was built and was always planned to be transferred to us once that work was completed. The route will include a new culvert under Claypit Lane, three new locks and will then link to a canal culvert underneath the Birmingham Road island, which the County Council built during the construction of the bypass.
Derek Lord, LHCRT Planning and Technical Trustee, said:
“This is a really good example of the support that the County Council has given to the trust over the years and shows good forward thinking. When the developments took place in this area, the County Council took possession of land for the bypass, but they also allowed sufficient room for the canal.
“Each piece of land that we’re able to take ownership of means that we can progress the canal further and gives us the ability to get planning consent.
“Our aim is to bring the canal into and through Lichfield as quickly as we can, but that’s dependent on getting the land and the necessary funding. We’re currently working very hard to join up the three sections of Deanslade, St John’s Grange and up to Cricket Lane. The canal will provide a blue-green link through all of these areas, so it’s a really important infrastructure facility for the people of Lichfield.”
Cllr Colin Greatorex, County Councillor Lichfield City South, said:
“It’s wonderful to be involved as a county councillor for this area. I’ve seen the development of the canal over a number of years and more stages being developed. It’s good to see it happening inch by inch and mile by mile.
“I’ve been involved for the City Council, the District Council and the County, and all along the way there have been partnerships struck up and a lot of foresight on behalf of LHCRT and the three councils to all recognise what needs to happen.
“The land that’s been handed over means a lot as it will become more recognisable as part of the future canal.”
The next stage for the development of the Falkland Road section is to apply for planning permission to start construction of the canal. The aim is to start work in 2025/26 following completion of the Gallows Reach section between Cricket Lane and London Road.