Back Lane, Whittington

Maplevale is a local independent housebuilder, focusing on high-quality architecture and materials. Established some 20 years ago, Maplevale has grown from a small family-owned company to one of the most successful builders of new homes and developments in the Midlands. 

Maplevale have delivered some 800 homes in the last 10 years in both urban and rural locations, including Burton upon Trent, Tamworth, Swadlincote,  Hill Ridware, Austrey, Rosliston and Repton. These developments have also secured the delivery of affordable houses in partnership with Trent and Dove Housing.

The images show examples of Maplevale’s previous work, with variation in design and house types.

Flood Risk and Drainage

The areas shown as developable in the illustrative plan and the area of the public open space are located within Flood Zone 1, which represents the lowest probability of flooding, as defined by the Environment Agency. A drainage strategy will support the relevant planning submission and a detailed plan accompanying any ‘reserved matters’ submission.

Surface water drainage options will be reviewed in preparation of the planning submission.

Trees and Hedgerows

The proposal intends to retain trees and hedgerows, wherever possible, with new tree planting across the proposal Site.

The proposals will incorporate new and enhanced green infrastructure, including areas of public open space, native tree and shrub planting and grassland enhancements. The public open space has been located to the edge of the site, providing a natural transition to the countryside.

Ecology

Ecological surveys were undertaken in 2025 and again in 2026 to inform the emerging proposals. The surveys mapped the habitats present and assessed the potential for protected and notable species, including bats, badgers, birds, amphibians, reptiles and hedgehogs.

No statutory nature conservation sites are located within or immediately adjacent to the site. The design has been informed by the ecological assessment, with existing boundary hedgerows and a number of established trees retained wherever practicable.

The areas proposed for development are predominantly habitats of relatively low ecological value, including modified grassland. Existing hedgerows and trees provide more valuable habitat and connectivity for wildlife and have therefore been an important design consideration.

Measures will be incorporated to protect wildlife during construction and once the development is occupied. These will include appropriate timing and methods of vegetation clearance, protection of retained habitats, minimising fragmentation and enabling animals to move safely through the site and a sensitive lighting strategy around important habitat features.

Biodiversity Net Gain

The proposal will be designed to achieve the required level of Biodiversity Net Gain, subject to the outcome of a detailed assessment of the proposal.

Additional biodiversity enhancements will be incorporated into the development, such as integrated bat and bird nesting features, hedgehog access through suitable garden boundaries and wildlife-friendly planting designed to provide food and shelter for birds, bats, invertebrates and other species.

Maplevale is committed to enhancing habitats and ensuring that new developments are appropriate for biodiversity.

Highways

The site is located adjacent to an established residential community, with good opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, and routes to the wider area. 

The application proposal will be supported by a Transport Assessment. The Assessment will present the proposed development, assess the potential traffic and transport impacts, with a review of road safety and road network impacts, with a focus on accessibility for residents.

A new highway access is proposed to Back Lane, which has been designed to include a suitable width for vehicles accessing and leaving the Site.

An assessment of measured vehicle speeds has been completed, which enables an understanding of visibility from the highway junction.

Pedestrian access to the Site will be available from the new vehicle access, with pedestrian footways on either side of the proposed highway. In addition, a new pedestrian access is provided to the Church Street end of the Site, and access via the Public Right of Way is retained.

The nearest bus stop, located on Back Lane, provides links to Tamworth and Lichfield, with regular services through the day.

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be provided across the site to promote the use of zero or low-emission vehicles. In addition, new homes will benefit from cycle parking provision to encourage travel modes other than the private car.

Heritage

The development proposal has evolved through input by specialist Heritage Consultants. Although the Site includes no designated built assets, its boundary borders the Whittington Conservation Area.

Two Grade II listed buildings have been assessed as part of the scheme development – St Giles Church and Church Farmhouse. An assessment relating to the impact of development on the heritage assets is being finalised, with no anticipated impact relating to St Giles Church.

The Site forms part of the wider rural edge of the village and its countryside setting retains legibility of the historic farmstead context of the Whittington Conservation Area, although this contribution is limited by the surrounding suburban development.

An archaeological assessment will support the outline planning submission. The assessment identifies no designated archaeological assets (scheduled monuments, etc.) within the Site. The report confirms that development within the Site will not harm the setting or significance of any designated archaeological assets outside of the site.