Kelly will have final say

Hundreds of homes could still be built in a Staffordshire quarry, but the decision has been hit by a delay of at least six months because Ruth Kelly wants to have the final say.

The application to build 560 houses at Campions Wood Quarry, in Cheslyn Hay, was rejected by South Staffordshire District Council last year.

But the developer, Dr Nigel Roberts, did not give up and lodged an appeal which was due to be heard next month.

Now planning experts have said its future will hang in the balance for at least another six months because Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly wants to have the final say.The Planning Inspectorate, based in Bristol, has ordered, on her behalf, an environmental impact study to be carried out by Dr Roberts, meaning the appeal could now go unheard until after September.

The project, which has been drawn up by RPS Planning on behalf of Dr Roberts, would initially see 300 homes built on the site which is in the green belt.

Developers said land ravaged by years of quarrying would be restored to create a landscape of ponds, hedgerows and green lanes.

And a further 260 homes could be added at a later stage, depending on the success of the first part of the project.

Cheslyn Hay's cemetery would also gain extra space if planning permission was to be granted as the application includes a 1.25 acre extension to the existing burial ground.

But many people felt it was an inappropriate development in the area, as it was green belt land.

The quarry has not been in operation for more than five years.

Andy Roberts, portfolio manager for planning and strategic services at Cannock Chase District Council, said Ruth Kelly wanted to take the decision herself because it was so controversial. He said the inquiry would probably be heard after September at the earliest.

A spokesman for Ruth Kelly said no inquiry date had yet been set.

Dr Roberts was not available for comment.

By Andy Rea