Lichfield and Tamworth, and the fields that separate these two ancient towns, are under threat. As a community, we have always found solace and peace in these landscapes, with their rich history and natural beauty—they are not just land; they are part of the historic character that defines our district and what makes this area so unique and precious.

Now, these fields face the very real prospect of being transformed into a sprawling development of up to 4,500 new homes as part of Lichfield District Council's Local Plan. We urgently need to protect Packington Hall Farm and the surrounding Green Belt to preserve our environment, history, and community identity.

The proposed development site does not just represent a loss of open countryside and working farmland; it threatens Hopwas Woods, an ancient woodland that is irreplaceable and highly valued not only by locals but by all who cherish our natural heritage. The development would push Lichfield and Tamworth over a tipping point and into an single, merged, continuous urban conurbation, erasing the unique identities that make our towns so special.

This massive development will inevitably strain our already burdened infrastructure. Local roads and public services are at capacity, risking deterioration in quality of life for current residents. Furthermore, increased traffic and pollution would diminish the rural atmosphere we cherish. This is not a sustainable solution—we cannot allow short-term housing goals to lead to long-term ecological, social and heritage harm.

Statistics show that urban sprawl continues to chip away at our countryside. According to the Campaign to Protect Rural England, nearly two thousand hectares of Green Belt land were released for development between 2017 and 2019 alone. These are worrying trends that highlight the urgent need to safeguard our own Green Belt. We have to act now to ensure that councils prioritise appropriate, more sustainable development solutions that do not sacrifice our environment or community fabric.

We need Lichfield District Council to prioritise protecting our landscapes and heritage over short-term political goals. By rejecting Packington Hall Farm as a settlement site, they can demonstrate their commitment to preserving our environment and respecting the communities they serve.

Join us in standing up for our countryside, our community, and our history. Sign this petition to urge Lichfield District Council to exclude Packington Hall Farm from the Local Plan and protect the Green Belt separating Lichfield and Tamworth. Together, we can hold on to the things that make our region unique and cherished. Please sign and share: your support can make a difference.