...but refuse scheme for properties on site neighbouring GKN factory

PLANS to build 24 houses next to a Leek factory have been thrown out.

Members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s planning applications committee unanimously voted to refuse planning permission for the homes on land adjacent to GKN Drive Line Ltd at Higher Woodcroft last week.

A report to councillors recommending refusal of the scheme by planning officer Jane Curley said: “The application was historically associated with the adjacent factory, now operated by GKN, but is now in separate ownership. It is understood to have been used in the past for coke storage as part of the now removed gas works.

“New access is proposed off Higher Woodcroft leading through the yard area of GKN factory.

“Where the site borders the GKN factory to the east an acoustic fence is proposed.

“The design and access statement (DAS) says if the requirement for affordable housing were to be applied, the profit margin would be too tight.

“Significant earth works will be required to develop the site for housing.”

Seven letters of objection were received from nearby residents and one letter from GKN Drive Line.

Objectors raised concerns over highway safety stating it is not practical to have a new road dropping into a factory yard on a steep slope, as is proposed.

GKN Drive Line said: “GKN are concerned about the impact of vehicles belonging to the residents of the proposed development and associated pedestrians sharing their access. In particular, there are safety concerns over the dual use of the access and residents who may not have full awareness of site operations.”

However, Leek Town Council recommended approval of the scheme and the Local Highway Authority raised no objection subject to conditions.

Planning members Councillor Paul Roberts said: “The walls would have to be 20 feet high, who wants to look at them?

“If a new access could be found, there could be some houses on the site.”

Councillor Mike Gledhill said: “The access is strange. This is not a high quality development. It could be better. There was also a lot of noise when we were there. It should not be the size of the development proposed.”

Councillor Colin Pearce said that the applicants should come back with a scheme the committee could support. He also stated that it was noisy when the committee visited the site.

All 10 councillors voted to refuse the application.