Appeal to be heard on new homes ban

An appeal against the decision to refuse 85 new Staffordshire homes is set to be heard next month.

Stafford-based Seabridge Property Partnership had plans for new homes in Rugeley turned down.

They wanted to build near Brindley Bank Pumping Station off Wolseley Road but were turned down by Cannock Chase District Council in May. The plans included 21 affordable family homes, five of which were four-bedroom homes. The scheme was expected to create 125 jobs.

However, the proposals provoked uproar among neighbours and local councillors who were concerned about the impact the new homes would have on traffic and the environment.

Western Springs Councillor Pat Williams today confirmed an appeal hearing date had finally been set for December 15.

"I will be attending the meeting as well as other councillors and members of the public," she said.

"I will be writing to all the residents to let them know the meeting is taking place. I'm sure many of them will want to attend. I spoke against the plans at the meeting in May.

"There are plenty of brownfield sites in Rugeley where this sort of development could go."

A planning inspector from Bristol, planning bosses from Cannock Chase District Council and members of the public are set to attend.

Stafford-based Seabridge Property Partnership spent two years working with Cannock Chase Council negotiating the scheme

Seabridge said they would also be providing £200,000 toward education provision in Rugeley and a free annual bus pass to each homeowner in their first year on the site.

Planning bosses turned the scheme down as it was planned for a greenfield site. The appeal hearing will be held at The Rugeley Rose Theatre in Taylor's Lane from 9am-5pm.