'Enough is enough' claim as 70 homes approved for village
Plans to build 70 new homes in a Staffordshire village have been given the green light.
Homes will spring up on a five-acre site off Burntwood Road, Norton Canes, after the proposal was backed by council planners - but a ward councillor insisted "enough is enough".
Councillor Zaphne Stretton said she was concerned Norton Canes would not be able to cope with the influx of new families and that the village could not withstand any more large developments.
The development will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, while there will also be two flats.
Developer Cameron Homes has vowed to ensure plenty of green space is included as part of the scheme.
A 'green infrastructure network' is included which will feature public open space, retained trees and hedgerows, new surface water management features and a reptile protection area, in a bid to ease fears about the impact on the area.
Councillor Stretton said: "The Government are saying we must build these homes. But enough is enough.
"Norton Canes cannot cope with any more housing. It would be ok if we got the infrastructure following but at the moment it is very difficult.
"The doctor's surgery is full to capacity and that is before these 70 homes are built. The schools are full to capacity and there is going to be new homes and new babies."
Councillor Stretton said she would raise serious concerns about any further development of Norton Canes.
She added: "I will definitely be asking questions. It is very difficult. If we refuse housing the Government's inspector will walk in and say we have got to have it."
A planning statement submitted with the plans said: "The layout reflects that approved under the extant outline planning permission; taking positive aspects and improving on them.
"The frontage on to Burntwood Road is significantly greener thereby providing a genuine enhancement to the character of the road.
"The adjacent watercourse is also incorporated into the development via the inclusion of a pedestrian route through a green corridor along its length. The design of homes is high quality and in keeping with the local vernacular of the area."
