Planning applications

■ Tamworth Borough Council ■ 0356/2023: Change of use of former Methodist Church (use class F1) to residential (use class C3) to convert into six apartments at Tamworth Central Methodist Church, Aldergate, Tamworth, B79 7DJ

■ 0361/2023: Erection of a front porch and a single storey rear extension at 24 Monks Way, Amington, Tamworth, B77 3DB

■ 0360/2023: Erection of a single storey side and rear extension and loft conversion (re-submission of application 0227/2023) at Dorado, 54 Ashby Road, Tamworth, B79 8AD

■ 0359/2023: Alterations to proposed development (proposed non-material amendment of 0069/2020demolition and site clearance of Co-operative superstore and car park to facilitate a mixed-use development) at Tame Retail and Trade Park, Ninian Way, Wilnecote, Tamworth

■ 0358/2023: Erection of a single storey front porch extension (retrospective) at 28 Lindisfarne, Glascote, Tamworth, B77 2QN

■ 0357/2023: Erection of a two storey side extension at 22 Henley Close, Tamworth, B79 8TQ

■ Lichfield District Council

■ 23/01373/FUH: Retention of lean to shed at 9 Puddledock Grove, Alrewas, DE13 7AH

■ 23/01322/FUL: Demolition of existing house and erection of five-bedroom detached dwelling, detached garage with associated works at 63 Richard Cooper Road, Shenstone, WS14 0NN ■ 23/01312/FUL: First floor side extension and conversion from three flats to two dwelling houses at Flats 1, 2 and 3 Carnethy, Fisherwick Road, Fisherwick ■ 23/01310/OUT: Outline application for erection of two dwellings with all matters reserved except for access (re-submission of previous application 22/01176/OUT) at The Woodlands, Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett, B78 3TS

■ 23/01260/FUL: Demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of replacement garage building off London Road, Canwell

■ 23/01253/FUL: Conversion of barns to form one fivebedroom dwellinghouse and associated works at Sandborough House Farm, Yoxall Road, Hamstall

TAMWORTH Borough Council’s leader was grilled on what the authority is doing to encourage more sustainable modes of transport by a passionate member of the public.

Huw Loxton spoke at the recent Full Council meeting in the town hall last week and asked Thomas Jay: “Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019 what have the council been doing to encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport and encourage cycling and walking and reduce over reliance on the motor vehicle?”

Cllr Jay said: “On this matter there are two points of clarification: firstly the climate change declaration refers only to the operation of the council and its services. Since the declaration, an assessment of council operations has been undertaken and the authority is currently commissioning work on an action plan, building energy audits and an adaptation plan. In addition the council is in the process of appointing a climate change officer.

“Secondly, again just to clarify, all matters relating to travel and transport fall in the remit of Staffordshire County Council not the borough council.

“Having said that, the Tamworth Local Plan does contain policies which seek to support sustainable decision making in terms of managing change. There is a policy which is delivering sustainable transport and that states development should be accessible by walking, cycling and public transport and proposals should prioritise access by these modes of transport above the private car.

“There is a recent example of using that policy with one of the Future

High Street Fund applications relating to the new flex building proposed next to Middle Entry and the town hall. Using that policy the county council required additional cycle stall in the pedestrian areas and to encourage staff with those buildings one cycle storage space per unit.

“The borough council’s planning team requested the changes were