120 homes set to be built in Staffordshire
Nearly 120 new homes are set to be built around Cannock Chase - with planners ready to approve two separate applications for major developments.
A total of 67 homes would be built in Norton Canes and another 52 in Hednesford, under plans set to go before councillors next week.
Both schemes have been recommended for approval by planning experts at Cannock Chase District Council but the homes at Norton Canes are set to arrive despite concerns locally.
Developers are planning to build on a large piece of land next to the M6 Toll in the village, near the Turf Island. The scheme is set to get the go-ahead despite concerns over traffic and the fact it would take out part of the green belt.
Concerns have been raised by highways experts about the potential for more crashes if traffic is increased near the bridge running over the M6 Toll.
Norton Canes councillor John Preece said: "I have got concerns about it and will be speaking at the meeting. The official advice from the council is that if it comes to appeal the fact it is social housing would trump any other concerns.
"I appreciate there is a need for social housing in Norton but if they put housing there, there would need to be a bus route and I have not seen a play area in the plans."
Planners from the council said the new housing would benefit the area as each property would be classed as affordable.
A report due to go to councillors said: "It is considered that the proposed 100 per cent affordable housing proposed, together with the nature of the Green Belt at this location, clearly outweighs any harm resulting by reason of inappropriateness. As such it is accepted that very special circumstances exist that would justify approval of the proposal."
Councillors are also expected to give the green light to plans for 52 homes at the junction of Pye Green Road and Limepit Lane in Hednesford.
The plans for the site form part of a wider plan to build 750 new homes west of Pye Green Road. The town council has raised concerns about increased traffic on Pye Green Road but planning officers have raised no objections to the scheme, as it has already been deemed suitable for housing.
