Councillors defer decision on more than 40 new homes planned for Wombourne - here's why

Bellway Homes’ plans for the housing development on land to the west of Orton Lane had been through numerous revisions before being presented to Tuesday’s South Staffordshire Council planning committee meeting with a recommendation from officers for approval, members heard.

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But after considering the proposals for more than an hour on Tuesday (May 20), they voted to send them back to the developer. They raised concerns about “clustering” of affordable homes on the site, housing mix and open space provision, as the proposed level of public open space falls below the level required by council policy.

A report to the committee said: “Given this application proposes 41 dwellings, the need arising for on-site provision is 0.41ha of usable green space, to include equipped play space, a skate park or MUGA (multi use games area). The level of POS (public open space) offered within the site extends to 0.38ha (and) no on-site provision for play equipment or similar is identified.”

The applicant highlighted the number of parks already in the local area however, with the closest being 400 metres to the south of the site. A financial contribution of £12,000 towards provision of off-site facilities was also proposed as a condition if the plans were approved.

South Staffordshire Council received 24 objections to the application. Objectors highlighted the condition of Orton Lane as well as the number of new housing developments the village has already seen in recent years.

Connor Robinson, who spoke against the proposals at Tuesday’s meeting, said: “Additional houses means additional people and local services are already at breaking point – it will only contribute to the stress. The development will put additional strain on the already deteriorating highway.”

Mr Robinson was applauded by people in the packed out public seating area following his speech, as was ward councillor Dan Kinsey who also voiced objections. Councillor Kinsey thanked the residents for attending the meeting.

He said: “You are demonstrating local residents’ passion and caring. At the very least there should be improvements to this scheme that may make this palatable, maybe even acceptable.

“The clustering of affordable homes remains a concern. Residents of Connaught Drive (bungalows) are concerned about the placing of two-storey homes behind them.”

Jessica Herrity, who spoke in support of the application, said that the site had previously been earmarked for future development in 2018. “The application is coming forward because South Staffordshire Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply”, she added,

“We feel it is better to meet this need with sites already identified rather than sites not included in the Local Plan. This is not a speculative application.

“The 17 affordable homes will be shared ownership or social rent. We will work with officers and the housing association to ensure they go to local people who need them the most.”