Masterplan for 1,500 home estate on Lord Stafford's land to be submitted

Taylor Wimpey says it will formally submit its scheme to develop the plot at Martin Drive, Burleyfields, to Stafford Borough Council by the end of this week.

The application for the site to the north of Stafford Castle will include a detailed plan, including the layout, of the first phase, for 475 properties and the school at the eastern part of the site bordering Stafford Castle Golf Club.

It also seeks permission in principle to deliver the remaining 1,025 homes on the rest of the site. The scheme has been in the pipeline for years, with the council earmarking the site for development in its long-term housing plan.

Taylor Wimpey’s proposals also include the provision of £15 million towards the cost of the Stafford Western Access Road, which is under construction, as well as the creation of 140 permanent jobs and more than 400 temporary posts associated with the construction work.

The firm says the estate will also attract £8.5m from the Government’s New Homes Bonus scheme and a further £2.1m in council tax.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Lord Stafford told the Express & Star he will formally sell the land to the housebuilder, should planning permission be granted. He said: “We have been trying to get planning around there for nearly 30 years. We have owned the land since 1086 so it will be quite emotional to let it go. But this will allow for the Stafford Western Access Road and it will link the whole of Stafford there, producing houses within walking distance of the town centre.”

“I am really looking forward to it, it is something which will regenerate that whole area and really benefit Stafford.”

Councillor Isabella Davies, who represents Doxey and Castletown where part of the scheme will reach into, said: “This is going to be great for Burleyfields, there will be a new primary school, and everyone wants new houses.”

“It should be welcomed by everyone in Doxey.

“It was what the people said they wanted years ago.”

A spokesman for Taylor Wimpey said: “Our outline planning application for up to 1,500 homes including full details for the first phase development of 475 dwellings, at Burleyfields, Stafford, will be submitted to Stafford Borough Council this week.”“We would like to thank all those who responded to our consultation and whose views have helped shape our proposal.”