Concerned residents of Aston-by-Stone have organised a public meeting to address concerns over the potential development of farmland near Stone Business Park.
The meeting comes in response to recent news that Richborough Commercial has secured a Planning Promotion Agreement for a 192-acre green field site on the Stone Business Park boundary. The company intends to promote the land for industrial, logistics, and manufacturing use, with a potential 1.5 million sq. ft of space.
Meeting Details
- Date: Friday, 29th November
- Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Location: Aston Village Hall
The meeting aims to inform local residents, generate interest in forming a committee to oppose the development and discuss the potential impacts on the area’s green fields and farmland. Invitations have been extended to local wildlife charities, councillors, and the area’s MP.
Concerns Over “Aston Green Fields”
Event organisers have distributed a leaflet to residents of Aston-by-Stone and parts of Stone, encouraging attendance and participation. They’ve highlighted their opposition to what they see as a significant threat to local green fields and farmland.
A spokesperson for the group said:
“This meeting will inform and create interest for a committee to counter the potential sale of our ‘Aston Green Fields’. We believe awareness is key for everyone who cares about preserving the character and natural beauty of Stone and Aston-by-Stone.”
Background: Richborough’s Plans
Richborough Commercial announced last month that it had secured a Planning Promotion Agreement for the site. While no official planning application has been submitted, the company has confirmed its intention to begin promotion work soon.
Nick Jones, Group Director at Richborough Commercial, said:
“We are delighted to have secured this high-quality site in this strategic location capable of providing much-needed employment opportunities.”
However, the company’s plans have raised concerns among residents and local councillors.
Feedback from Stafford Borough Councillors
Stafford Borough Councillors representing Stone issued a statement reassuring residents that no planning application has been submitted and that any proposals would go through the formal planning process, allowing public objections or support.
“The sites identified by Richborough are outside the ‘Strategic Development Location for Employment’ boundary within the Plan for Stafford Borough 2011–2031,” said Councillor Rob Kenney.
Richborough’s agreement is part of a Planning Promotion Agreement, which involves collaboration between the company and the landowner to secure planning permission and maximize the land’s value before a potential sale.
Local Response
The issue was discussed at a recent Stone Rural Parish Council meeting, where councillors were briefed on the potential development. With opposition gaining momentum, the upcoming meeting at Aston Village Hall is expected to draw a significant turnout.
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3 comments
Tony Middleton
We have lived in Aston for the past sixteen years and ,over the years, there has been a massive change to Stone itself, especially since the various housing developments. If only half of the local residents came into the town on the same day traffic would be gridlocked and the town would be full, that’s without the many visitors the town attracts. Stone has done its bit already, concerning new developments, enough is enough! The local services barely cope now, so adding even more housing would be ‘the straw that breaks the camels back’. Greed is the driving force behind these proposals not jobs or any other excuses.
John Chawner
I note that the proposed development of this new site will provide new jobs for the area , a tactic used regularly to gain planning permission nationally.
The nearby monstrous sized storage depot opposite Aston by Stone village hall was granted permission to build by promising up to 500 jobs being created. Can Councillor Hood now tell us how many people are employed there and how many of them are local to this area please?
Mike Edwrds
Almost no Jobs along with the JLR development.
UNTIL THOSE JOBS ARE REALISED I SUGGEST WE STOP ALL FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
Enough is enough, empty promises.