Introduction
Curborough Brooks is made up of approximately 194 hectares of agricultural fields, which is approximately 272 football pitches in size.
Much of the site is of low ecological value, comprising of extensive areas of intensively managed arable and pastural land. The site is divided by hedgerows with small areas of woodland.
A Brief History
The name Curborough is believed to come from the Old English meaning ‘Mill Steam’ and historically the main settlement is thought to have been centred around Curborough Hall Farm.
Around the mid-11th century the area was likely to have been part of Cannock Forest with settlements concentrated in clearings within the wooded landscape. By the 14th century, the area was mainly agricultural land with a variety of crops being produced. The fields are likely to have origins associated with Lichfield and city and Curborough and were enclosed on a piecemeal basis from the 16th century. The 17th century saw a move towards pastoral farming, with several dairies located in the area. By the 19th century crops such as wheat and barley were the norm within the Curborough area.
The settlement of Lichfield dates back to the Roman period.
- 7th century The settlement of Lichfield became an important religious area
- 12th century The settlement developed quickly and construction began on the cathedral
- 13th century Church of St Michael was constructed
- 16th century Lichfield was given City status and was one of the wealthiest of Staffordshire’s settlements
- 17th century The City was badly damaged during the civil war and the cathedral suffered extensive collapse
- 18th century The cathedral was substantially rebuilt following collapse and the City became a centre for enlightenment within Europe
- 19th century The cathedral underwent a major programme of restoration under Sir Gilbert Scott
- 20th century The RAF Lichfield airfield was established and closed 18 years later
- Present day Lichfield has expanded to cover an area of approximately 14km2. Today, Lichfield Cathedral is of high architectural, artistic, and historic interest and is only medieval cathedral in England to feature three spires
Our heritage team has been looking at the key heritage assets in the local area and their relationships with the site to ensure the proposals take account of heritage sensitivities and respond to them positively.
Regarding archaeology, the whole site of Curborough Brooks has been subject to geophysical survey, which did not identify any significant archaeological remains.
A first stage of trial trench evaluation is currently being undertaken across the southern fields of the site, where no notable remains have yet been found, further confirming the geophysical survey findings. This work is being monitored by the Council’s archaeological officer.
It has been previously agreed with the Council’s archaeological advisor that it would be acceptable for further fieldwork to be secured by planning condition.
Meet The Team
IMDL is one of the UK’s leading land promoters, working across a range of sectors and rooted in the Midlands.
At Curborough Brooks, IMDL is working on behalf of multiple landowners to bring forward proposals to create a vibrant, sustainable and welcoming community, including important and necessary infrastructure, which brings benefits to all.
