Barratt breathes new life into Lichfield Basin

Planning permission has been granted to allow Barratt to totally transform a 42 acre canal basin site which has lain derelict since 1969. The disused and in-filled Lichfield Basin in Stourport-on-Severn is now set to undergo an extensive regeneration project which will see the award-winning housebuilder create a brand new residential community, centred around the newly re-instated basin.

The Water’s Edge development will consist of 144 properties, including 32 townhouses and a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses and apartments - all built to Barratt’s high specification. The basin’s original ‘sailhouse’ - now a listed building - will house three new luxury apartments.

Each home at Water’s Edge will be a bespoke design and sympathetic to neighbouring buildings, in line with its status as a conservation area.

The site has recently undergone an extensive clean-up and repair programme to make it ready for building work, which is expected to start in September. Homes will be available for purchase off-plan from October.

David Child, sales director of Barratt West Midlands, says “We are delighted to be undertaking this building project, which will be the catalyst for the total regeneration of the Lichfield Basin area. It’s a fantastic site that was just begging to be redeveloped and I’m sure our vision will do it justice. The waterways will provide a fantastic backdrop to the homes here and - I’m sure – make this a popular choice for local housebuyers.”

Mrs June Salter, a local councillor, says “I think it will be absolutely wonderful for Stourport, absolutely superb. I have seen the plans and they look lovely. At the moment the site is an eyesore, so development can only be a good thing for the town. In fact I have spoken to one member of the Civic Society who told me they want to buy one of the houses!”

The Lichfield Basin is a key location in close proximity to Stourport town centre, and the area is popular with tourists and local residents alike. The canal and its numerous locks, built by the acclaimed local engineer James Brindley and originally opened in 1722, will form an attractive backdrop to the new development. The canal was in active use until the 1960s and was declared a conservation area in 1969.

The redevelopment proposals have been welcomed across the town and there are even plans to re-open moorings on the canal to give a boost to tourism and business.

For further information on Water’s Edge, visit Barratthomes.co.uk.