Controversial Meaford EV and drive-through scheme resurfaces with formal appeal

An appeal has been launched against the refusal of a planning application for a large electric vehicle (EV) charging hub and drive-through restaurant on Green Belt land at Meaford, reopening debate over one of Stone’s most objected-to proposals in recent years.

Developer challenges refusal, claiming site is ‘grey belt’

The scheme, originally submitted by George Developments Ltd, includes 31 EV charging bays with solar canopies, a drive-through restaurant, picnic area, car and cycle parking, and landscaping. It was refused by Stafford Borough Council in November 2024 following more than 160 objections from residents and local organisations.

Concerns ranged from the loss of open countryside and harm to the nearby Meaford Conservation Area, to traffic impact, pedestrian safety, and whether the borough even needs such a large-scale development in that location. The original application, which sparked those objections, was covered in our earlier article: Meaford EV charging hub and restaurant plans spark more than 160 objections.

The proposals also prompted a strong community response beyond formal planning comments. In June 2024, ALBOS published a reader’s letter calling the scheme “deeply inappropriate” for the Green Belt and encouraging residents to sign a petition and submit objections. The letter criticised the drive-through element in particular, citing concerns around climate impact, litter, and setting a damaging precedent for development along the A34.

Now, the developer has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, claiming that the Council’s decision “is not supported by appropriate planning reasons” and that the proposal complies with both national and local planning policies.

In its appeal documents, the developer argues:

• The site should be treated as “grey belt” land, a new planning category introduced in December 2024 for Green Belt areas that don’t strongly contribute to its main purposes.
• The EV hub qualifies as “local transport infrastructure”, which is one of the permitted uses in Green Belt land under national planning rules.
• The stretch of A34 between Stafford and Stoke is entirely within the Green Belt, and no suitable alternative sites exist outside it.
• A shortfall of public EV chargers across the borough justifies the scale of the scheme. Council estimates suggest that 5,140 chargers will be needed by 2030, but only 428 are currently available.
• The proposal would not significantly harm the setting of Meaford Conservation Area, thanks to distance, screening, and site layout.
• Pedestrian safety concerns are unfounded, with a Road Safety Audit concluding that a formal crossing is not necessary at the proposed location.
• Additional 14 parking spaces have been added in an updated site layout to address shortfall concerns for the drive-through element.

What happens next

The Planning Inspectorate will now review the case through a written representations appeal, meaning no in-person hearing will be held.

Anyone who previously commented on the original application will have their views automatically passed to the Inspector. However, members of the public can still submit new or updated comments if they wish.

The deadline to respond is 29th May 2025.

Submissions can be made online via the Planning Inspectorate’s portal at
 https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Reference: 3342636

The appeal covers the same site off the A34 opposite the George and Dragon pub in Meaford, just outside Stone, and sits within a broader discussion on how the town and borough should balance growth, environmental protection, and infrastructure demands.

ALBOS will continue to follow this case and report on the outcome when it becomes available.