Penkridge supermarket and hotel plan refused
Controversial multi-million pound plans for a supermarket, petrol station and hotel in South Staffordshire have been thrown out by councillors who instead gave the go-ahead to a nursing home and housing development on the site.
The plans were all submitted by developers Northcreek Estates as part of a vision for a £20 million mini-village outside the centre of Penkridge, with the promise of creating around 200 jobs. But only plans for 165 homes and a 60-bed nursing home in Boscomoor Lane were given the go-ahead by planners.
The new housing will go on the Lyne Hill Industrial Estate after being given the nod at a South Staffordshire Council regulatory committee meeting last night.
Simon Hoare, speaking on behalf of the applicant, argued there was a need for a "suitably sized" store in the community which would bring job opportunities.
He added that the care home was in a "sustainable" location and would also create jobs.
But the plans for a supermarket, petrol station and 70-bed hotel had been recommended for refusal by council planning officers who said it was not in keeping with the character of the village and would take trade away from the main shopping centre.
Wombourne Councillor Mary Bond, opposing plans for a supermarket, said: "I have seen the damage that the introduction of a large supermarket can make to the vitality of a village. It has done it in Wombourne.
"I would hate to see it happen in Penkridge."
Almost a third of the housing development will offer affordable homes, some of which are expected to cater for assisted living, targeting the elderly or disabled.
Huntington and Hatherton Councillor Jeff Ashley spoke in support of the plans for homes, claiming: "We do need housing for our younger people". Supporting the planned housing development, Kinver Councillor Brian Edwards added: "What I like about it is the mixture of residential development. It not only looks after one section of the public but a number of them."
