Controversial plan to build 2,200 homes in Staffordshire given go-ahead

Hundreds of residents were opposed to sacrificing a popular walking route in Doxey to housing.

Two petitions containing 750 names had been raised over the site, with fears that it would cause traffic congestion and increase flooding problems in the town.

Developer Bellway Homes and landowners Saint Gobain will build the houses on land south of Doxey Road.

Stafford Borough Council's local plan requires that 2,200 homes are constructed to the west of Stafford, with 500 to be built in Doxey.

Initially, the council ruled there was no need for an overall masterplan but later bowed to residents' demands.

The blueprint was passed by the planning committee before the decision on the Doxey site was made.

Opponents complained that Bellway had made no concessions following two recent public consultations.

Councillor Isabella Davies, who called the plan in over fears about the impact on the road network, said: "I am disappointed but not surprised.

"Bellway Homes has made no alterations to their proposals as a result of the public consultations in January and February. They still want the main access to the development to be close to Doxey School."

A move by Councillor GeoffreyRowlands to refuse the Doxey plan on the grounds of its layout and the density of buildings failed on the chairman's casting vote.

Councillor Stan Highfield also pushed through approval of the Doxey plan after a 4-4 tie. Of the 13 committee members, only those eight who attended a site meeting in December were allowed to vote.

Resident Neil Thomas criticised the plan for 'obliterating' a public right of way, particularly popular with dog walkers. He told Wednesday's meeting: "The people in Doxey will have lost a country walk they value and your local plan will have lost all credibility."

Bellway argued that the layout still included substantial open space. The company said it was 'vital' that the plans were brought forward as soon as possible so that they conformed to the council's five-year housing land supply.

Councillor James said the building density would have consequences for flooding in the town, and would increase the flooding problem at Sainsbury's. Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy wrote to the planning committee supporting opponents to the plan, particularly in relation to the 'valued and well-used' footpath starting behind the Church of St Thomas and St Andrew.