Councillors to make ruling on Staffordshire homes plan despite appeal
A planning application for more than 100 homes on land east of the A449, north of Penkridge has been appealed, however, South Staffordshire Council are still set to make a ruling on the scheme today (Tuesday 2 September).
Developer Bloor Homes Ltd referred the matter to the planning inspector due to non-determination.
Typically councils are allowed eight weeks to make a decision on a planning application, in some cases this can be extended. In this case the application was first submitted in December 2023.
The outline application was submitted for up to 135 new houses for the new neighbourhood in a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes. The application was part of a bold vision for a new district in Penkridge North, which would include a total of 1,129 new homes, older peoples housing, a new school and a community centre.
Now a planning inspector is set to rule on the application during a four day hearing in October. Planning officers at the district council would have recommended that councillors approve the application.
Planning officers state: “With reference to this scheme, economically the proposal will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities, through creating a development opportunity, whose future residents would support existing facilities within the area. In addition, given the Council’s inability to demonstrate a 5 year supply of land for residential development and the application of the so called ‘titled balance’, in order to boost housing land supply.”
The development planned to include 40 per cent affordable housing including socially rented homes, shared ownership and first homes. No objections to the plans were received by statutory consultees, however, five local residents raised concerns.
Appeal documents state: “The proposed development of up to 135 new dwellings, including 40 per cent as affordable housing, in a high-quality scheme that optimises the use of an unconstrained site in a sustainable location would provide much needed housing to meet identified market and affordable housing needs in the District and address the 5-year housing land supply shortage.
“The appeal proposals, therefore, constitute sustainable development as defined by the NPPF and the provision of new market and affordable homes would result in a number of significant economic, social and environmental benefits. Those benefits weigh significantly in favour of the proposed development.”
Councillors at South Staffordshire Council are now set to make a decision on the application which will then be used to inform the councils response to the appeal.
