A decision on plans to demolish a house in Oulton Road and build five properties on its grounds has been delayed by a wrangle over the removal of trees.
A decision from planners at Stafford Borough Council on the revised plan at Elmhurst, 160 Oulton Road, had been due by 1st September. However, concerns by the council’s arboricultural officer into the removal of the trees – some with preservation orders – has seen the decision delayed.
Council officers met with representatives from Hawksmoor Property Services on 3rd September to seek clarification over the plans and a decision is expected soon. The arboricultural officer’s response to the planning application at the end of August stated that:
- Trees would be removed off the site without reason or replacement
- Trees within the entrance covered by preservation orders would be removed, even though they are not in the way of the development
- There is no tree protection detailed in the planning application.
The development has sparked opposition from many people who live nearby, including access to vehicles, traffic congestion (the site is opposite Alleynes High School) and the removal of trees harming the appearance of the area. A planning application to build 14 homes on the site was rejected by planners last year.
You can view the planning application and all associated documents here
