Decision over pitmen homes

A decision is expected next week on whether Hednesford Town FC can build dozens of homes on land next to its ground that is currently used as a car park by fans.

The club has committed almost £1million to getting former brickworks land ready for a development that may see up to 90 homes built, it was revealed today.

It has vowed to provide alternative parking for match days on two separate areas offering a total of 391 spaces .

The application, for land next to its Keys Park ground, off Keys Park Road, went to Cannock Chase District Council in February but will go to on Wednesday's planning control committee with an officers recommendation for approval after lengthy negotiations.

A report to councillors says the county education officer requests a sizeable contribution towards education provision within the area. It will cost £955,563 for reclamation and infrastructure works, says the report.

Initial plans were for about 100 homes but this has been cut.

It is now estimated up to 90 homes may be built, although the exact number would be set at a later stage.

John Heminsley, planning services manager, said the plan for the 6.8 hectares site included new habitat for wildlife and replacement parking. New homes would take up 1.95 hectares.

More detailed plans would need to be submitted later including the number and type of homes and roads.

Hednesford Town Council and Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council say a shortage of schools, nurseries and doctors will be made worse by an influx of new residents.

Staffordshire Police's architectural liaison officer objects because of how close homes would be to the football ground. Sixteen letters of objection have come from people living nearby.

By Michelle Pearson