120 homes by Stafford MoD base set for approval

Applicant UKLD has submitted a proposal to build on a plot between the busy Beaconside and Sandon Road, opposite the Tollgate Industrial Estate.

Stafford Borough Council planning officers have recommended permission be granted despite concerns. However The Ministry of Defence has formally objected stating the development site encroaches into land that is owned by the Crown.

A council planning report states: "MoD objects on the basis that the edge of the site includes land within their ownership."

Although it says this could be down to an error in drawings for the plans.

Meanwhile around half a dozen neighbours have also objected alongside Hopton Parish Council, which says the access point, off Sandon Road, is 'dangerous'. A summary of the council's concerns states: "The proposed access to the development off the Sandon Road, B5066 is dangerous. It is located close to a bend in the road. Cars travel quickly along that road up to the junction at Beaconside.

"Cars already back up in peak periods to the entrance to Hopton, ie. Hopton Lane. Additional traffic from the development will cause more traffic congestion."

A public consultation on the plans being held in Chebsey has been described as a 'sham' by Hopton Parish Council, which asked why consultation events were not held at the closer Hopton Village Hall or the Baptist Village Hall.

Objectors claim a toucan crossing would also need to be added to the plans across Beaconside Road for pedestrians and cyclists.

And calls have been made for planners to take into account the noise new residents will face from the busy road, nearby industrial estate and the Beacon Barracks.

Paul Cartmole, a director at Tollgate MOT and Service Centre, opposite the proposed housing site, said: "Beaconside is an arterial route and a lot of people do use it. If there are going to be 120 more homes on there then it is going to mean more traffic."

Staffordshire County Council, the highways authority, has not objected on the basis the developer signs a legal agreement to invest £125,000 in road improvements. The borough council's planning officer states the development, which will include a mixture of house sizes including 15 affordable properties, should be given the green light.

The council's planning committee will decide on the plans on Monday. If approval is given more detailed plans for the development will follow.

The Express & Star was unable to contact UKLD to respond to the land issue.