PLAN FOR 361 HOMES AT OLD QUARRY
Proposals include flats for the elderly
UP TO 361 homes – including dozens of extra care flats for the elderly – could be built on a former quarry site, if city planners agree.
Mansion House Group and Persimmon Homes are applying for outline planning permission for the development on land off Scotia Road in Tunstall.
The 8.67 hectare site, behind the Asda supermarket, is an infilled former fireclay pit, now covered in trees and scrub and known locally as Scotia Park.
The proposed development would include 268 family homes, ranging from two to four-bedroom, and 93 ‘care at home’ apartments for elderly and disabled residents.
There would also be areas of public open space and a children’s play area.
According to the application, the scheme would remediate
a contaminated site next to a residential area, help meet demand for family homes in the area, and create jobs for local people.
Plans submitted to Stokeon-trent City Council state: “The development of the site will contribute to the rise in profile and image of the area, contributing to new and improved
community facilities, infrastructure and improving the physical environment.
“The 361 modern dwellings will provide family homes and extra care apartments. The proposals will provide green spaces, including public open space and a local equipped area for play and potentially a network of footpaths
and cycle paths, with the aim of linking the development with the surrounding areas.
“There will be additional benefits to the local area during the construction process with the creation of local jobs, and further benefits to local business with the increased number of households which will improve the economy in the local area.” Vehicular access would be via the existing junction in Scotia Road.
According to the application, there was ‘generally support’ for the development, and no ‘specific objections’ from residents during a community consultation exercise.
David Williams, ward councillor for Little Chell and Stanfield, believes the application needs to be considered ‘very carefully’ due its size.
He says most residents accept there is a need for more housing, but a ‘significant number’ of people have contacted him with concerns about the new plans.
Mr Williams added: “Among their concerns, residents have rightly voiced fears that local schools and doctors’ surgeries would struggle to deal with the increased numbers of pupils and patients.
“Others have raised concerns about how traffic will cope around Scotia Road, what impact it would have on wildlife in the area, the fact that the land was previously used as a landfill and how many of the houses will truly be affordable.
“It is important that residents’ voices are heard so that their views can be taken into consideration.”
The council is due to decide on the application by January 31.