Hotel plans delayed

The fate of plans to build a 41-bedroom Travelodge hotel on the outskirts of Heath Hayes was today hanging in the balance after councillors delayed their decision.

People living nearby have flooded Cannock Chase District Council with 21 letters and an 89-name petition opposing the scheme for land next to the Newhall Farm pub in Lichfield Road.

But planning officers have advised planners to grant permission for the hotel.

Now the council's planning control committee have called for the chance to visit the proposed site before they make their decision.

Letters raised a string of concerns including road safety, loss of privacy, noise, inadequate parking, overlooking, and lighting affecting nearby homes.

They added great crested newts had been found in gardens in Salisbury Drive and were also concerned about pollution from cars.

The petition highlighted worries including the impact of overlooking, concerns about trees being removed, increases in traffic and concerns over security, lighting and an illuminated sign.

Amended plans were then lodged proposing to remove an underground sewage treatment plant and amended the design.

The decision was deferred at the council meeting last night.

A report to the committee had said: "The application proposes a net increase of 12 new car parking spaces, however proposes to use existing car parking spaces at the Newhall Farm Inn, which has an existing total of 72 spaces.

"The application proposes the use of the existing access to the site."

It added the main issue was whether it would be detrimental to homes in Salisbury Drive.

Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council objected on the grounds parking was inadequate, it was too close to houses and would add to traffic congestion.

By Andy Rea