More time to air views on 700-homes scheme

The deadline for talks on a controversial 700-home development set to transform a huge site in Staffordshire has been been put back. The plans have sparked a public outcry.

They include a new school, shops and road on land west of Pye Green Road, near Hednesford. Council chiefs say the consultation date has been extended due to the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Residents now have until mid-January to make their views known. Protesters have taken to Facebook to encourage others to oppose the multi- million pound scheme.

Bosses from developers St Modwen say it will create 1,000 construction jobs while the estate is being built and scores of teaching and shop posts when complete. The firm wants to build on an area the size of 95 football pitches, with more than half earmarked as parks and allotments.

A community centre and shopping hub will sit at the heart of the development under the proposals while the school will cater for 30 pupils in each year.

Homes will have one to five bedrooms, including large detached "executive" houses. St Modwen senior planning surveyor Mike Timmins says the housing scheme will breathe new life into Staffordshire.

If planning permission is granted by Cannock Chase Council, St Modwen expects to begin work in spring 2013. The plans are posted on the council's website, and paper copies are available to inspect at the Civic Centre on Beecroft Road.