93 homes planned for former Cannock plant site
Almost 100 new homes will be built to replace a presently derelict former manufacturing plant near Cannock, under plans just unveiled this week.
Parker Hannifin moved from the eight-acre factory site in Bridgtown eight years ago with the loss of 140 jobs.
Plans have now emerged for 93 homes at the plant in Walkmill Lane off the A5, which has been on the market since the American firm left.
Developers Schroder Property Investment Management submitted the proposal to Cannock Chase Council.
It will see 35 two bedroom homes, 36 three bedroom homes and 22 four bedroom family homes built. Each of the homes will be two storey, with additional bedrooms in the larger homes, accommodated in the roof.
The new homes will be a wide variety of semi-detached properties and rows of terraced properties.
A number of the properties proposed will be affordable housing. The exact number provided on the site will be decided at a later date.
Councillor Eddie Smith, chairman of Bridgtown Parish Council said the proposal would benefit the community.
He said: "This development is excellent news for the community.
"We are getting bigger and stronger and I am delighted there will be more affordable homes built to cater for our residents.
"I will welcome the plans with open arms."
The east of the site is bounded by Walkmill Lane and by Vine Lane to the south.
The west of the site is bounded by the retail park where Fitness First and B&Q are based and the site currently has a single access point off Walkmill Lane.
Nearby on Walkmill Lane there is a nursing home and another residential development on Earlswood way, off Lakeside Boulevard and as part of the design, the housing estate will be landscaped along the Walkmill Lane frontage.
Under the submitted plans, there are two suggested access roads to the site which have been discussed with the Local Highway Authority.
Public roads will also be included in the development and the plans include designs for 169 car park spaces.
The site is currently occupied by Carillion on a temporary basis for open storage.
However, if the plans are approved the site would be fully cleared, including the remnants of the former demolished building.
Parker Hannifin closed the plant, claiming the decision was made in a bid to improve the profitability of its pneumatic division.
The company opened a new divisional headquarters in Lichfield at the same time.
It joined Skipton Building Society at the Lichfield South development.
