Councillors have delayed their decision on plans to demolish Stone’s last link to its shoemaking heritage after questions were asked about whether part of the historic building could be retained and used in a proposed housing development.
Concerns were also raised about flooding mitigation measures and the future use of developer funds to provide much-needed sporting facilities in the area if the plans to build new housing on the Stonefield Works site went ahead.
The application, which sought outline permission for the demolition of existing buildings and residential redevelopment of the site to provide up to 114 homes, was recommended for approval by planning officers at Stafford Borough Council. However, planning committee members decided to defer their decision at their meeting on Wednesday (October 23) so that further information could come forward regarding the issues they raised.
Stonefield Works was a factory site for shoe firm Lotus until the 1970s, when it was acquired by ABB. Outline planning permission was previously granted for residential development at the Oulton Road site in 2007, but a further detailed application never came forward, and the consent lapsed.
In 2020, Hitachi and ABBs Power Grids’ businesses came together to create Hitachi Energy UK Limited, which submitted a new application for redevelopment of the site. Ward councillor and Stone historian Philip Leason called in the application for consideration by the planning committee.
One letter of support was submitted to the council, backing plans to use the site for housing. But the authority also received 117 objections, with concerns including increased traffic on already congested town roads, impact on services such as GP surgeries and loss of part of Stone’s heritage.
Councillor Leason said the former Lotus Building was regarded as a non-designated heritage asset of Stone and should be retained. Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, he added:
“It’s the last link with the shoemaking industry in town.
“I would stress I’m only referring to the building on Longton Road and not the buildings at the rear. There are no objections to this part of the site being demolished.
“The frontage of a sister building – another Lotus factory of the same design – in Banbridge in Northern Ireland has successfully been converted into residential apartments. There is demand for apartments in Stone.“Many people see them as a way of downsizing, particularly as there is a lack of bungalows in Stone. The popularity of such apartments is reflected in conversion of the old police station and a new block in Station Road which sold extremely quickly.”
Tim Evans, who spoke in support of the application at Wednesday’s meeting, said the option of retaining part of the existing historic factory building for residential use had been considered however. He added: “We have provided the council with robust evidence of why this is not possible.
“Securing planning permission for the redevelopment of Stonefield Works is critical for helping Hitachi fund its proposal to relocate to new purpose-built premises at Beacon Park in Stafford. Those premises will be better suited to current operational need while allowing for retention of the business in the borough.
“This application has been with the planning authority for 28 months and the proposals have changed materially since submission. Officers and consultees are now satisfied that the proposals would not give rise to any adverse technical or environmental impacts.
“The highway authority has confirmed that the development would benefit from satisfactory means of access and it wouldn’t prejudice highway safety or substantially increase traffic levels above those associated with the existing use of the site. The responses from the LLFA (lead local flood authority) and Severn Trent Water confirm that the site could be satisfactorily drained and would not increase the risk of flooding in the locality.
“The proposal allows for the retention and enhancement of existing green corridors at the development between (Longton) Road and Oulton Road, Whilst we appreciate Stonefield Works is valued by local people and there is a desire to see the factory building retained, Historic England has confirmed the building does not have significant heritage value.”
3 comments
Mabel Brown Luff
I have an idea for the site that might work to the benefit of all but it would require further discussion with the relevant people.
J Bradbury
They obviously haven’t tried to get out of Airdale Road, with cars speeding through from Rough Close.
Colin beardmore
Surely any housing development in the area will increase the traffic congestion at peak times , yes perhaps it may not significantly increase the existing problem but it does worsen the traffic problem in this traffic pinch point on Longton road.
Hasnt the formal plan for building housing in Stone already been met.
This plan would have been agreed after much discussion on the future housing need for the town which over the years has become a dormitory town with the majority of the population needing a car to drive to employment outside the town . This begs the question is there any need for any more housing in Stone. which has poor prospects for local employment.
The site should be left to attract suitable businesses.
It will be sad if all that left of the factory after a change to a housing development is a blue plaque on a wall or a delopment name such as Lotus Road.