Approval likely for 700 new homes in Staffordshire

A 700-home development that will create more than 1,000 jobs in Staffordshire is set to get the go-ahead – despite scores of objections from residents.

The scheme, which will also include a new school, shops and road on land west of Pye Green Road near Hednesford, has been recommended for approval.

Two petitions and 58 letters opposing the proposals have been submitted citing concerns over traffic, noise and the number of low-cost homes that are planned.

Councillor Brian Gamble, who represents Hednesford South, said: "I am opposed to it, there are already many houses around there and it would be taking over open space and there is already a lot of traffic.

"Saying that I have not had a chance to look at the most recent plans yet, but I do think it is not a good idea at all in principle."

If the plans are given the go-ahead, 225 of the new houses are set to be delivered between 2013 to 2016, with the other 525 set to arrive by 2017 onwards.

Seventy of the units will be one bedroom, 140 will be two, 210 with be three, another 210 will be four and 70 will be five.

The council say 14 per cent of the new homes will be affordable housing.

But Hednesford Town Council and Brindley Heath Parish Council have criticised the fact there is not enough affordable housing.

Councillors are also concerned that the potential increase in traffic towards Hednesford town centre from the site has not been addressed.