Plans for 100 new homes on edge of Staffordshire market town approved
Plans for up to 100 new homes outside the Brewood settlement boundary have been approved after the land was classified as “grey belt”.
The land at Hockerhill Farm, south of Kiddemore Green Road, has previously been considered as part of South Staffordshire’s Green Belt.
In October 2024 an application seeking outline consent for up to 85 homes, an 80-bed care home and community facilities was rejected by South Staffordshire Council. But on Tuesday (October 21), a new proposal for up to 100 new homes on the 6.25 hectare (15.4 acre) site was approved by the planning committee.
The application was recommended for approval by planning officers ahead of the meeting. A report to the planning committee said: “The site is within the Green Belt however it (is) considered to meet the definition of grey belt. The proposal for residential re-development is therefore, in this case, an acceptable form of development in the Green Belt.
“Whilst the site would be outside of the defined village boundary it is within a sustainable location which various services and facilities within walking distance of the site. It is also clear that the proposal would result in the loss of some ‘good to moderate’ quality agricultural land and there would be some harm to landscape character, however, this site represents a very small proportion of the District’s agricultural land and landscape impact would be localised to Kiddemore Green Road and would reduce over time with landscaping mitigation.”
South Staffordshire Council received 100 objections to the application. Jeremy Quince, one of the objectors, said at Tuesday’s meeting: “I’m here today as a resident who supports thoughtful plan-led growth – but the application for 100 houses at Hockerhill Farm is neither thoughtful nor plan-led.
“The site lies entirely within the Green Belt. The National Planning Policy Framework gives the Green Belt the highest level of protection, clearly stating inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.
“There are no such circumstances here that justify building 100 houses on this open countryside. This proposal is not limited infill, not redevelopment and not a rural affordable housing scheme – it’s a major inappropriate development and harm to openness must carry substantial weight.
“Housing shortfall alone is not a very special circumstance. Housing need should be met by the proper plan-led process, not speculative applications on protected land.
“Brewood’s compact form and historic conservation area setting are central to its identity. Extending the village into open farmland would urbanise the rural approach, permanently eroding its character.”
Agent Megan Wilson, who spoke in support of the proposals on Tuesday, said: “The scheme will help the council to meet their obligation and local housing need that are set by the Government. At present, the council do not have a five-year housing land supply and a development of up to 100 dwellings will make an important contribution to meeting South Staffordshire’s minimum housing requirement and significant shortfall.
“The proposed development will include 50 affordable homes and 10 single-storey bungalows. It will deliver a mix of housing to support younger households, families and older residents to enjoy, live and maintain the viability of the very popular village of Brewood.
“Brewood is a sustainable location, recognised in both the adopted and emerging Local Plan. It has a range of day to day services and facilities including numerous schools, retail opportunities and various options for social recreation.
“The site comprises grey belt land as defined in national planning policy, and therefore the proposal is not considered inappropriate development in this regard. The development will retain the allotments to the north west of the site and will deliver public open spaces, play areas, landscaping and will include a buffer that will ensure the scheme integrates within the wider landscape setting.
“In respect of sustainable transport, the scheme links to footpaths, cycleways and bus routes. A financial contribution to support bus services to benefit new and existing residents has been agreed with the council and will support the reintroduction of a regular bus service running along Kiddemore Green Road.”
Nine committee members voted to approve the application, with three against. Ward councillor Wendy Sutton, who voted against approval, said: “From the point of view of a local resident of Brewood for the last 30 years, I’ve had a lot of conversations regarding this proposed development.
“In all honesty, the particular position of this proposed development extends the village boundary almost to the point where active travel is a difficulty for some people who would be living on here who might have a bit more difficulty with mobility. I don’t think I can support this application.
“I appreciate there has been a change in policy and the difficulty the council finds itself in, in relation to Green Belt versus grey belt. To suggest to us we are going to sacrifice good quality growing land and Green Belt/grey belt when we haven’t still had any indication from the Planning Inspectorate around other planning applications in the area makes it difficult for me to feel comfortable to vote in favour of approval of this plan.”
