500 new homes set for village

A Staffordshire village could see its population increase by almost 25 per cent if developers are allowed to build a new housing estate.

Details of a plan to build a new large estate with more than 500 homes has been revealed for Norton Canes, which could potentially bring as many as 1,500 people pouring into the village.

The plans also include the creation of a new eight hectare business park on the site, east of Norton Hall Lane and north of the M6 Toll.

The plans, which have not yet been submitted, are being drawn up by homebuilders Persimmon Homes and Bloor Homes.

Both firms have unveiled their intentions as part of what is called a screening and scoping consultation to see what the views of local people are and whether an environmental assessment needs to be carried out.

The news is likely to anger residents who have already seen a number of housing developments bringing hundreds of new homes into the village over the last two years.

Norton Canes Parish Council says it's totally opposed to the plans and will write to Cannock Chase District Council to lodge its objections.

Dave Clarke, chairman of Norton Canes Parish Council, said members accepted some development of the village is inevitable but that this plan was just too big.

He said: "The council feels this could increase the population by as much as 1,500 and the village infrastructure could not cope with that.

Dominic Harman, managing director for Persimmon Homes in the West Midlands said: "We are currently considering our strategic land holding in Norton Canes and can confirm as responsible developers, any new homes scheme will be influenced by local input. We will look at holding public consultations later this year."

By Shaun Lintern