75-home plan gets thumbs up despite 103 objections

Affordable houses set to be build in village

SEVENTY five new affordable homes are to be built in a Staffordshire Moorlands village despite more than 100 objections.

Members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s planning applications committee approved the development, which also includes new access, provision of green infrastructure and all associated works on land at Ash Bank Road, Werrington at a meeting last week.

The application had been put forward by Countryside Properties UK & Homes England.

A report to councillors, recommending approval, by planning officer Jane Curley said: “This application relates to two separate parcels of land, both of which have frontage to Ash Bank Road in Werrington and both of which are allocated sites in the Local Plan.

“The larger site extends to approximately three hectares; 72 dwellings are proposed on this parcel. It extends over two fields to the south of the A52 Ash Bank Road with an upper and lower field.

“The site is bordered by houses on Salters Close to the west, HM Young Offenders Institute to the east and open fields to the south.

“The smaller parcel extends to approximately one hectare; three dwellings are proposed on this parcel.

“Access to the larger site will use the existing access to the Young Offender Institute. It will be widened and its alignment amended so that the main access road will lead to the new housing. A spur off this will serve the YOI. A new access onto Ash Bank is proposed to serve the smaller site.

“Full planning permission is sought for a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme, with 50 per cent of the dwellings being offered as affordable rent and 50 per cent shared ownership.”

One hundred and three objections were received which raised a number of issues.

One objection said: “The local infrastructure has no capacity; dentists, doctors and schools have no capacity.”

Another said: “The noise from the HMYOI should be considered, noise from the prison is shocking and the language is terrible.

“In summer we have to keep windows closed because of this and you are thinking of putting houses closer.”

A third objection pointed out: “Recently the Prime Minister acknowledged fears people have about the countryside being desecrated by ugly new homes.

“As this was prior to this application being submitted, should this point also not be taken into account?

“Mr Johnson and MPS were considering reusing sites that had previously been developed and brownfield sites.”

Speaking to the planning committee, ward councillor Barbara Hughes, said: “The views of residents is that we do not need 100 per cent social housing.

“The schools are full to capacity and transport would be needed, which is a concern. All amenities are on the opposite side of the road and traffic is already queuing in a morning. Cellarhead is already high for pollution.”

Adam Bills of Countryside Properties Ltd said: “We have had noise assessments completed, and both show no noise from the unit. From the records there has been no complaints from houses over noise.”

Planning committee member, Councillor Ben Emery, said: “It seems a good proposal, but there are some issues.

“The main road is a big issue, but there is soundproofing going in.

“It will be fantastic for people who need a home.”

Councillor Keith Flunder said that he had concerns for young children.

He said: “We need formal crossings not just dropped kerbs, they are not sufficient for unaccompanied children.”

Councillor Peter Wilkinson raised the issue of visibility.

He said: “There are vehicles parked on the grass verge, so visibility is impaired. Could the development not have off street parking? A crossing would be better situated between the development and the school.”

Members voted by 10 in favour of approval with two abstentions.