Homes complex scheme for site

An old library in Stafford looks set to be demolished to make way for a development of 45 new homes.

Plans involve bulldozing the former library headquarters in Friars Terrace and converting a neighbouring Edwardian workshop to create a complex of town houses and apartments.

Concerns have been raised about the scheme leading to increased traffic problems in the area.

Councillor Chris Baron, who represents residents in the Forebridge area, has called in the planning application for further discussion.

She said: “These proposals will cause even more traffic problems in an area already over-used by drivers.”

Two residents have also objected, saying the roads surrounding the planned development were already an established “rat-run” and the scheme would increase traffic problems.

But planning officers at Stafford Borough Council have recommended approval of the outline planning application. It is due to be discussed at a meeting of the development control committee tonight.

The borough conservation officer says in a report to the committee that the library building is a post-war office block which is overbearing and its condiiton is deteriorating.

But the site also includes a rare early 20th century building, with interesting period features, which was used as a workshop for servicing police vehicles.

The applicant has now modified the plans and agreed to convert the old workshop into residential accommodation, rather than demolishing it.