Norton Canes homes plan wins support from officials

A controversial planning application for 450 new homes in Norton Canes has been recommended for approval by Cannock Chase Council, despite residents' concerns about the lack of infrastructure.

They are also worried about an increase in traffic which could be generated to the south of the village.

Persimmon Homes and Bloor Homes want to regenerate land to the north of the M6 between Norton Hall Lane and Butts Lane. The plans also include the creation of 6,300 sq metres of employment floor space.

The house builders originally proposed more than 500 houses on the site, which was taken out of the green belt in the 1997 local plan and has been identified as a location for new housing and employment.

Fourteen per cent of the houses will be affordable homes, including some social rental properties.

In a report, council planning officers say the site is 'well located' for supporting the sustainability of Norton Canes and the employment floor space has potential to create more than 300 jobs.

The council's planning officers have concluded that traffic generated by the development will not have a detrimental impact on people living nearby.

The application will now go before the council's planning committee next Wed-nesday.