Eight bungalows proposed off Old Road in Barlaston

Plans have been submitted to build eight new bungalows on land off Old Road in Barlaston.

The site sits just north of Flax Croft Court, not far from the Trent and Mersey Canal. At the moment it is used as paddock land, with a sand manège, some hardstanding and boundary hedges.

Homes aimed at over 55s

The outline application, submitted to Stafford Borough Council under reference 25/41490/OUT, is for eight bungalows.

A covering letter from the agent confirms the homes are intended for people aged over 55.

Six of the properties would have two bedrooms and two would have three bedrooms.

Because this is an outline application, the council is being asked to agree the principle of development and the main access point first. More detailed design elements, such as final appearance and landscaping, would come later if permission is granted.

How the site would look

Plans show four bungalows along the northern edge of the site and four along the southern side, facing onto a new internal road with a turning area at the end.

Each home would have its own driveway and garden. A small pumping station is also shown in the south-eastern corner of the site. Access would be taken from Old Road.

A separate plan includes a proposal for a new stretch of pavement along the road frontage. This would link the development to the existing footpath network into Barlaston village, although that would need a separate highways agreement.

Part of the land involved, mainly the highway verge, falls within Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s boundary, which means the application has been submitted as a cross-boundary scheme.

Wildlife and surroundings

An ecological report describes the site as mainly grassland and bare ground, bordered by hedgerows.

The land lies within the Green Belt and is close to the Trent and Mersey Canal conservation area.

The report says the site is unlikely to be suitable for great crested newts because of barriers such as the canal and nearby infrastructure. It also highlights the need for careful lighting so that bats using the hedgerows are not disturbed.

Suggestions include planting more native hedgerows, adding small gaps in garden fences so hedgehogs can move between plots, and building bat and swift boxes into the new homes.

Have your say

The application is now available to view on Stafford Borough Council’s planning portal.

Residents can read the plans and supporting reports online and submit comments before councillors or officers make a decision.