Plans to redevelop 25 acres of former quarries and turn them into a living memorial to those who died in the Covid-19 pandemic have garnered help from Lichfield councillors.
A new forest is expected to be created on the land at the northern boundary of the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, as well as water features, mirror image spaces, new guest facilities, a children’s playground and a building with meeting space.
Constable Marie Stacey, who spoke in favor of the application at Lichfield District Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday, said: “The task before you today is one of national importance. I do not want to remind members that The Covid-19 pandemic is a rare phenomenon. A crisis that has affected all facets of society around the world. This is a poignant component of our social history that has affected each and every user of the United Kingdom.
“The proposed forest monument will provide a central place for reflection and contemplation of the effect of this event of global significance. The creation of a permanent forest would provide a permanent home for millions of individual and collective stories to ensure their preservation. for generations to come.
“The task is presented to them because of the location of the proposed buildings in the floodplain. There are no moderately choice spaces with low flood risk in or near the Arboretum; Those low-risk flood spaces are already developed, or are giant enough to accommodate the proposed development, or are available lately.
“The proposed buildings are an integral part of the experience of the woodland memorial. There is a functional need for the proposed kiosk and public convenience in particular to be co-located within the application site, in order to provide accessible facilities due to the main facilities being some 700m away.
“The proposed multi-use building would provide a focal meeting space for the memorial and for groups to use in association with remembrance, including the Covid pandemic. There will be no net loss of flood plain storage and therefore no additional risk to people or property surrounding the development; given its location the Arboretum already has a well-established flood evacuation management plan.”
Committee members voted to approve the request on Wednesday, Dec. 6. However, this resolution will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Planning, Housing and Communities for confirmation, after an objection has been won through the Environment Agency because the site is in a flood zone.
Councillor Thomas Marshall, who chaired the meeting, said, “I think we are incredibly fortunate to have the National Monument in our district and on our doorstep. It renders a glorious service not only to other people, but also nationally and even internationally.
“This is a vitally important part of the fabric of our society now. I think this world-renowned site is something that we can and wish to support at every opportunity.”
Councillor David Salter said: “I’ve put a lot of hours into it and I think it will be a glorious addition to the whole site. Buildings are not habitable, they are purely functional; if it seemed more likely that there would be flooding, I’m sure certain things would be put in position to evacuate them or just not open them.
Councilwoman Diane Evans said: “This is an interesting proposal and a very smart cause. It is vital that there be a lasting memorial; It’s very applicable to a lot of other people in this country and elsewhere because it’s a terrible time for a lot of people. “other people.
Speaking after the meeting, Philippa Rawlinson, director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “As the country’s year-round place of remembrance, we have been inundated with requests to create a new area for others to commemorate the incredible service and sacrifice made. Through key personnel this time, we will face the darkest of times and let’s not forget all those who have lost their lives because of the pandemic. This ambitious new memorial area would be a fitting tribute to their service and sacrifice, and would complement this year’s clear commitment to ‘Trees of Life’, and we are open to discussions with large-scale investment partners, including the UK government, to enable our full vision to realise.