Developers submit a new plan after appeal success
Housing proposal has sparked a storm of protest
A CONTROVERSIAL housing plan in a Moorlands town has moved a step forward.
In March 2017, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council refused an outline planning application for 25 houses on land off Milltown Way in Leek, which is situated close to the Grade II listed Pickwood Hall.
The application was met with a number of objections from members of the public.
Leek Town Council also recommended that the application be refused due to the existing roads being unsuitable for the increase in traffic, and concerns regarding pedestrian safety.
In a refusal decision notice, planners said: “Overall, it is clear that the revised scheme provides for clear social and economic benefits associated with the delivery of up to 25 dwellings, as well as net biodiversity benefits and the provision of a community park.
“Such benefits, however, are not considered to be great enough to outweigh the moderate amount of harm, which would result to the significance of Pickwood Hall and impact to local landscape setting.”
However, applicant Gladman Developments appealed against the decision.
Following the appeal, government inspector Alexander Walker allowed the appeal in December 2017 stating: “There would be less than substantial harm to Pickwood Hall and harm to landscape character and the visual amenity of the landscape.
“As a consequence of these matters, I conclude that the proposal is contrary to the development plan when viewed as a whole.
“The dwellings would be located in an accessible location and would bring economic activity and other benefits.
“When all things are considered, I conclude that the adverse impacts of the proposal do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”
Now Gladman Developments
have submitted an application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council seeking approval of the details of appearance, layout, landscaping and scale relating to the development.
A planning statement submitted with the latest application said: “The principle of residential development at the application site was established by planning application SMD/2016/0413, which was approved by way of appeal and secured outline planning permission for the erection of up to 25 dwellings with all matters reserved except for means of access.
“The site comprises 6.19 hectares of agricultural land and is located to the west and north-west of Milltown Way and to the west and south of Pickwood Recreation Ground.
“The development will provide 25 dwellings with a range of house types and sizes to meet local need.
“In accordance with the obligations
of the Unilateral Undertaking, 33 per cent of the units (eight dwellings) are affordable.
“Given the location of the development, on the edge of Leek and the need to respect the existing character and appearance of the area, it is considered that the density is appropriate in this instance.
“The affordable housing will comprise a mix of two and three bedroom semidetached/mews houses and will be delivered with a tenure mix of 70 per cent affordable rented housing and 30 per cent intermediate housing, as per the agreed obligations.
“As established through the outline approval, the development is located within safe walking distance of a number of key services and facilities within the town which will assist in reducing the number of journeys made by private vehicle.
“The proposed planning, layout
plan, and landscape proposal plans demonstrate how the development will provide a significant level of new green infrastructure incorporating informal open space, new planting, a community park and an ecological management area, in line with the approved outline permission.
“The development provides a sustainable residential environment through the creation of an attractive and high quality built form, and by providing features which create a sense of place, including significant areas of amenity green space, extensive landscaping, and walking routes through the development.
“A sustainable mix of dwelling size, type and tenure is provided, helping to create a vibrant and mixed community that provides high-quality new homes to meet a variety of needs.”
A decision is expected by planners within the next 12 weeks.