Stafford social club redevelopment plans refused permission – two years after councillors voted to approve application
An application to demolish a derelict Stafford social club to make way for 18 affordable homes has been rejected – more than two years after councillors voted to approve it.
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The proposals for the former Highfields Social Club on Barnes Road were allowed by Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee in November 2022, subject to applicant Hodgkinson Builders Ltd entering into a Section 106 agreement to secure obligations including financial contributions towards education, sport and leisure facilities in the area.
But the agreement was never signed, despite a final draft being drawn up in December 2023. A report to the borough council’s planning committee said: “According to information available online via Companies House, the applicant, Hodgkinson Builders Ltd, entered administration in September 2024.”
On Wednesday (April 23), the application returned to the committee with a recommendation to refuse permission. The refusal was recommended by council officers on the grounds “the proposal would not make adequate provision for infrastructure needs arising from the proposed residential development, specifically in respect to educational facilities and sport and leisure facilities”.
Councillor Bryan Cross said: “It’s a really dilapidated and run down site and we do need housing of some sort. I feel we have no other option but to support the officer’s recommendation.”
Committee members heard that another application had come forward for the site in recent weeks however. The latest plans, put forward by TC Homes, propose 14 affordable homes and apartments and have been backed by Homes Plus.
The social housing provider said in a supporting letter: “We have a strong presence in this area of Stafford and confirm there is high demand for the mix of property types which form part of the planning application. We are keen to ensure the site progresses, as such we have agreed terms and conditions with the applicant, TC Homes Ltd, to ensure that should the planning application be successful, we can commence construction works on site as soon as practical.”
A design and access statement submitted as part of the latest application said: “TC Homes aim for the site is to provide a high quality but affordable development which enhances the area of Highfields and which positively upgrades the current site for its derelict and poorly maintained use. The development will create 14 affordable dwellings, which will be all affordable rent, together with open space and external works.”
