46 new homes approved for Staffordshire village despite more than 340 objections

Hundreds of objectors have lost their battle to stop new homes being built on the edge of a South Staffordshire village.

Concerns were raised about access to public transport and services for potential residents of the Wheaton Aston development – and South Staffordshire District councillors heard that information in a report about the village having a Post Office was incorrect as the facility had been closed for a number of years.

The planning committee was told on Tuesday (June 16) that the lack of a Post Office in the village did not make a significant difference however. Members went on to approve the outline application, in line with a recommendation made by planning officers, for up to 46 homes on land at Fentonhouse Lane.

Further detailed plans, covering matters including housing type, design, and layout, are set to come forward in another application at a later date. The committee report said 19 properties were set to be affordable homes, with 10 for social rent and nine shared-ownership.

South Staffordshire District Council received more than 340 objections to the application. Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, objector Winnie Millington said: “You refused a recent application in Wheaton Aston because it was outside the village boundary.

“Fentonhouse Lane is also a village boundary. This boundary protects an internationally important SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), international SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and national nature reserve – Mottey Meadows – which is less than 500 metres from the proposed development.

“You also refused Lapley Lane as Wheaton Aston had built its quota of houses for a village of its size and infrastructure. There have already been two large developments in Wheaton Aston and there is an agreed site development in the Local Plan on Ivetsey Road – the sensible place to build in the village.

“Wheaton Aston has limited infrastructure – only one bus service that goes to Stafford, does not stop in Penkridge to link with train services or to Brewood to link with bus services to Wolverhampton or Brewood Surgery. Most residents therefore need at least two cars per family; residents who have moved into social housing on a recent new estate struggle, as many do not have a car and therefore cannot get out of the village to shop or visit family or friends.

“I have measured the road width as 3.8m at its narrowest point. Adding an entrance to the development, turning onto a single-track road with potentially 100+ additional cars, would be extremely dangerous.”

Agent Paul Harris, who spoke in support of the application, said: “This is not a Green Belt site; we fully acknowledge the pressure the district’s Green Belt is under. There will be no erosion of Green Belt openness as a result of this development.

“There are no unresolved objections from any technical consultees. We do note the number of representations in relation to the potential effects of the development on the nearby Mottey Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

“The potential effects of the development, which include things like air quality and hydrological interest, have been thoroughly investigated. The firm conclusion, following robust analysis, being subject to appropriate mitigation proposed is there will be no significant effects on Mottey Meadows.

“We also acknowledge the representations made around highways and drainage matters. Members should note that the applicant has worked closely with authorities, making amendments to the scheme where necessary to ensure the proposals are technically sound.

“Whilst we accept the proposal to provide additional homes does not find favour with all existing residents, the applicant has nevertheless attempted to address concerns raised where possible. Noting the local community’s aspirations to develop its playing field facility, the applicant is proposing a sizeable financial contribution to assist in the realisation of this goal.

“Ultimately, the proposals represent proportionate and sustainable growth to Wheaton Aston. The benefits associated with the delivery of up to 46 new homes, including 19 which are affordable, are substantial and would significantly outweigh any negatives.”