Bakery flats decision due

A decision on whether the site of a former Staffordshire bakery can be transformed into more than 40 flats and almost 20 houses is expected tomorrow.

Cannock Chase District Council planning control committee were due to visit the site of the former Hindley's Bakery, Wharf Road, Brereton, before deciding on planning permission.

The 43 flats would be built on the site and land next to it under the plans sent to the council. They would be in three blocks which would be up to four storeys high in parts.

Plans also include building a further 18 houses, communal parking and garages.

Planning officers at the district council advised the committee to grant permission subject to a list of 27 conditions.

They also requested a Section 106 agreement, meaning that the developer would have to pay a sum of money which would be invested in upgrading the Newman Grove allotments and Ravenhill Park.

An agreement was also reached with Staffordshire County Council for developers to make a contribution to the Rugeley Eastern Bypass.

A report prepared by planning officers said: "In conclusion, it is considered that the site can be developed without adversely affecting the neighbouring properties or the character of the area and, as such, is acceptable subject to a Section 106 agreement."

Concerns

Brereton & Ravenhill Parish Council raised no objections to the principle of the plans but was concerned about the suggested design.

Concerns centred around the overall scale of the development and the fact three storey parts of the building would be close to back gardens of homes in Newman Grove.

No objections were raised by people living nearby during the consultation process.

But Staffordshire Wildlife Trust objected as no reports were submitted assessing the potential for bats or badgers on the site.

Previous plans for the same number of flats and houses on the site were refused permission in November last year.

At the time it was felt they did not include enough affordable housing but the current plans designated 15 homes as a mix of social rented, below market value and shared ownership.