New homes plan backed for land in Stafford

The Richborough Estates Partnership was granted outline planning permission for the 4.29 hectare site north of Marstongate Farm, Marston Lane, Marston.

It came after Stafford Borough Council's planning committee went on a visit to the area yesterday morning ahead of a special meeting to discuss concerns the outline application did not include enough detail.

Nine councillors voted in favour of granting outline planning permission, while one abstained.

Originally there were concerns that it would lead to increased traffic in the area which connects to A513 Beaconside to the south of the site. This was partly because it was expected the new homes would generate up to 60 extra vehicle movements an hour at peak times.

Councillor Frances Beatty, who was not in attendance at the meeting initially called- in the planning application.

She said: "Ward members were given to understand, when the masterplan for the northern SDL was approved, that the high level aspiration in the masterplan, for quality design layouts, community facilities, green space etc would be considered at outline stage. This application, which is for access only, does not do this."

But the committee was told at its meeting today that Councillor Beatty had since withdrawn her call-in.

In a statement read out at the meeting, she said: "I would like it to be shared with members that I accept that the borough council powers to dictate quality standards at outline are limited and consequently withdraw those reasons for call-in.

"I trust that the committee will make robust recommendations to impress conformity with the Masterplan when it comes to reserved matters and will put on record that highest design standards and quality landscaping are non-negotiable in this authority going forward."

Councillor Rowan Draper attended and voted in favour, said: "We will have to wait and see the full proposal. There is no doubt Staffordshire needs more houses. It is good that these developments are coming forward."

The new plan comes after a proposal was unveiled for a 700-home estate, school and care home, on a 98-acre plot on the opposite side of Marston Lane.

The site, near Beaconside, forms part of the strategic development location (SDL) for the north of Stafford, earmarked for development of around 3,100 new homes as part of the borough council's Plan for Stafford Borough.