16 residents have lodged objections
The land off Manor Road, near Baldwin’s Gate
Plans for a self-build housing scheme in the North Staffordshire countryside are set to be approved – despite objections from local residents and highways officials. Planning officers at Newcastle Borough Council have recommended that outline permission be granted for three homes on land off Manor Road, near Baldwins Gate.
Sixteen residents have objected to the application, raising concerns over the lack of local infrastructure, visual impact, and highway safety. Highways officers at Staffordshire County Council have also objected on sustainability grounds, due to the rural location of the site, next to a property called Farcroft.
A number of previous applications for housing on the site were blocked by the borough council, with the most recent being dismissed at appeal two years ago due to the unsustainable location
But planning officers say that the council is now unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, making it harder to sustain an objection. They also point to recent appeal decisions in the local area that have gone against the council, including one for a site in Manor Road even further away from Baldwins Gate than Farcroft.
The report to the planning committee states: “The development of this site is considered to be within a sustainable location, with particular reference to recent appeal decisions on sites found nearby. The scheme would not significantly impact the appearance of the area and it has been demonstrated that the proposed development would not impact highway safety, ecology or residential amenity. Subject to conditions, the development represents a sustainable form of development and should be supported.”
Nineteen people have written to the council to support the application. Most of the supporters live outside the Baldwins Gate area and have submitted the same template letter, which refers to similar plans being approved nearby and the lack of objections from technical consultants.
But objectors to the scheme say there is no need for more self-build housing in the area.
Baldwins Gate resident Dawn Frost states: “Baldwins Gate has been substantially over-developed in recent years, with a significant number of new homes already delivered. This includes at least 13 self-build approvals in the parish, directly meeting the identified local demand. As a resident of Manor Road, I can see numerous individually designed properties now on the market and not selling, demonstrating that further supply is unnecessary and unsupported by demand.”
Members of the planning committee will consider the application at their meeting on January 6.
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