Controversial homes near Shugborough backed by planners - despite more than 100 objections
Sixty-five new homes look set to be built in a Staffordshire village right next to the Shugborough Estate – despite more than 100 objections from residents and even an MP.
Planning bosses on the borough council will meet to decide the future of the development – earmarked for Main Road, Little Haywood – at a meeting next week.
It comes despite Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy formally objecting to the scheme.
He has raised serious concerns over traffic problems it is claimed the development could cause.
And residents claim if the new housing estate is built, it will effectively join Little Haywood with Colwich.
But in plans from officers to Stafford Borough Council's planning committee, which meets on Wednesday (29), they have recommended that the scheme is approved.
The report states: "The site is in a sustainable location for housing development on the edge of Little Haywood.
"It is accepted that there would be little visibility from the Shugborough Estate and tree planting is proposed to screen development from the east.
"There would be little impact on individual listed buildings, the Trent and Mersey Canal Conservation Area or the Great Haywood and Shugborough Conservation Area but there would be some harm to the Colwich and Little Haywood Conservation Area."
The plans for the piece of land near to Shugborough Estate have been submitted by the Moore Family Trust.
They say the scheme will provide a mix of new houses in the village.
Exact details of the type of housing is not yet known as the applicant is seeking outline permission only.
If approved, more detailed proposals will be submitted.
Objections have been submitted to the council by Colwich Parish Council and The Haywood Society.
Also 94 neighbours have raised concerns and a 34-name petition has been handed in.
Residents fear traffic problems will be worsened if the homes are built and the development will 'destroy the distinctive character' of the two villages.
Under the scheme, an area of open space would also be created on the new estate.
It is the latest application for new housing in the borough of Stafford.
Plans have been submitted for more than 200 homes on the border of Baswich and Walton On the Hill.
Under the plans, 225 properties would be built in total alongside a convenience store.
