£750,000 boost for 10,000 homes plan in Staffordshire

Proposals for the 'garden settlement' with the prospect of new homes, schools, transport links and employment areas in the north of the Stafford borough have taken a step forward.

The borough has been chosen as a possible location for a new garden settlement with the Government contributing a quarter of a million pounds to develop detailed plans for the key infrastructure required – such as highway improvements, schools, water and energy provision – to support a sustainable development.

The concept for a new garden community, with a working name of ‘Meecebrook’ at Cold Meece near Stone, will now be considered as part of the borough council’s local plan process 2020-2040.

As well as around 10,000 homes the plans would include health provision, open spaces and community facilities along with schools and excellent digital connectivity.

Council Leader, Patrick Farrington, said: “The council is embarking on a new local plan which will guide development in the future. We need more homes and the potential numbers which this new settlement could accommodate obviously reduce the need to look for other sites or build in our existing towns and village.

“The idea of a new garden settlement is only at the concept stage but this funding is a major boost from the Government to progress future economic growth and development. As the proposal progress they would be part of the local plan process and subject to detailed consultation with local residents.”

The funding is part of a £3.7 million pot to fund five new garden towns across the country.