Plans to build three new houses on green space between Downing Gardens and Friars Avenue have prompted strong objections from local residents, who say the area is a valued community space that should remain untouched.
The application, submitted by JRJ Homes, seeks outline permission to build three detached houses with off-road parking. If approved, it would see four of the site’s five mature trees felled, reducing a long-used recreational green into private plots of land.
Surrounded by bungalows, the space has served as a quiet retreat for locals for decades, offering a spot for walking, play, wildlife-watching and community gatherings.
Application called in by councillor
After learning of the plans, Councillor Jill Hood submitted a formal “call in” request, ensuring the proposal will go before Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee rather than being decided by officers behind the scenes.
In her submission, Cllr Hood stated:
“I am calling in planning Application 25/40223/OUT on the grounds of the detrimental impact on the visual amenity, over-intensification of the area and damage to five trees by construction works due to the close proximity of the trees to the proposed dwellings.”
This move gives residents a chance to have their voices heard, with the committee expected to consider all comments submitted before the deadline of 31st March 2025.
Strong community opposition
In recent weeks, more than twenty objections have been lodged by residents, with concerns ranging from the destruction of wildlife habitat to road safety risks and the loss of community space.
One objector wrote:
“We already lost green space to the care home. This is all we’ve got left. Wildlife thrives here. I see birds, squirrels and hedgehogs almost daily. The trees are home to nesting birds and bring real joy.”
Another recalled buying their home in the 1960s, specifically because of the green space in front:
“We were told it was for the community. It was an amenity area then and it should remain one now.”
Parking, privacy and pressure on local infrastructure
Residents have voiced fears that adding three family-sized homes to a narrow cul-de-sac already affected by school traffic will make a bad situation worse.
“I would hate to see the death of a child due to build-up. There are three schools nearby,” one objector wrote.
Others are worried about being overlooked by two-storey houses in what is currently a bungalow-only area, saying it will lead to a loss of privacy and daylight.
One local added:
“I work from home. That green is my escape between meetings. Watching birds and squirrels is calming. Replacing that with noise and dust is not something I can work around.”
Biodiversity concerns
The planning documents themselves show a predicted 23% net loss in biodiversity on the site, with the applicant proposing to offset this by purchasing biodiversity credits for improvements elsewhere. Residents argue that this fails to compensate for the loss of established trees, nesting sites, and a rare patch of urban green space.
Protected status under local plan
Residents have also pointed out that the site is not just any patch of grass. It is one of a number of spaces protected under the Stone Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted in 2019 and runs through to 2031.
The land at Downing Gardens is specifically listed as Local Green Infrastructure (LGI) and forms part of a wider network that includes 26 LGI sites, 21 Local Green Spaces (LGS), and extended green corridors following the River Trent. Together, these areas make up Stafford Borough Council’s Green Infrastructure (GI) network for Stone.
Several objections draw comparisons to a previous planning application for Heath Gardens in Walton, which was also designated as LGI and was ultimately refused. Residents argue that allowing development here would undermine the protections laid out in the Neighbourhood Plan and risk setting a precedent for other safeguarded spaces across the town.
“These protections exist for a reason,” one resident wrote. “They’re not just lines on a map. If this green goes, others may follow.”
What happens next
With the application now called in, residents have until the end of the month to submit formal objections. A decision will be made at a future planning committee meeting, where public objections, planning policy and ecological impact will all be considered.
“It’s not just about Downing Gardens,” said one resident. “If this application is approved, it sets a dangerous precedent for all small green spaces in Stone.”
How to object
To submit your views:
- Visit Stafford Borough Council’s planning portal
- Search for Application 25/40223/OUT
- Submit your objection before Sunday 31st March 2025
4 comments
S.Amison -
Absolutely aghast that another precious piece of green space is being considered for houses ! I can’t believe that once again mature trees would have to be felled
We all know that trees are so vital in the environment – giving us oxygen to breathe , homes for wildlife and a very good noise barrier & providing us with relief from all the bricks ,concrete & tarmac which are increasing by the day .
Neil Richardson
For the council to really listen you will need more than 20 objections, a lot more. I did say in a Facebook post on the matter that residents need to form a group who can encourage others to object. Get yourselves organised and approach the parents at the school re a petition etc and talk to other residents whose homes are near all the other areas that could fall if this one does. Your dealing with Stafford Borough Council which is Tory led. Stone Council is weak in this. They lost all credibility when they didn’t support a judicial review on the care home.
I wish you good luck in your venture. Sock it to them.
Linda Weaver
Stone Rural……won’t be too long before we’ll have no green areas left. It saddens me that people move to Stone because they want to live in a beautiful canal town but are happy to cut the trees down.
Lesley Reynolds
I don’t live in Stone anymore, but what a disgrace, there are plenty of places to build.
Who are JRJHomes have they been sold the land???
If so by who and how??