Residents are being invited to have their say on early proposals to build around 70 new homes on land between the Trent and Mersey Canal and the A34, adjacent to the Whitebridge Estate.
The land, currently open countryside, sits in a prominent spot on the northern edge of Stone. Developer St Philips has launched an online consultation to share initial plans and gather community feedback before an outline planning application is submitted to Stafford Borough Council.
What’s being proposed
The early concept outlines around 70 homes, half of which would be classed as affordable housing. The layout includes new access from the A34, internal roads, landscaping, and open spaces with ponds designed to help manage surface water.
The developer describes the scheme as a “natural infill” that connects with existing housing while introducing green spaces, biodiversity planting, and walking routes linking to nearby bus stops and facilities.
Why this location
The site covers just over three hectares, stretching between the canal and the A34. It’s close to Stone railway station and within walking distance of schools, shops, and local services.
St Philips describes it as a “sustainably located” site that benefits from good transport links — including the 101, 100, and 104 bus routes to Stafford, Stone town centre and Stoke-on-Trent.
Green Belt considerations
The developer acknowledges the land is part of the Green Belt but argues it could now fall under what national planning policy calls the “Grey Belt” — land considered less sensitive where new housing might be acceptable.
With Stafford Borough Council’s Local Plan Review currently paused, St Philips says the housing need across the borough is pressing, and that this location offers a balanced way to deliver new homes without extending deep into the open countryside.
Studies underway
To support the planning submission, a series of assessments are being completed covering:
- Traffic and transport, to check how the new access would work and whether surrounding roads can manage the extra movement.
- Drainage and flood risk, ensuring the new ponds and systems control runoff safely.
- Wildlife and biodiversity, with a pledge to deliver at least 10 per cent net gain and enhance natural habitats.
- Heritage and landscape, as the canal conservation area borders the site.
- Trees and hedgerows, most of which are planned to be retained and strengthened with new planting.
Have your say
The consultation runs until 27th October 2025, and all responses will feed into the planning statement submitted with the application.
Residents can read more and leave feedback through the project website: www.landnorthofstone.com.
Once a formal planning application is submitted, the council will open its own statutory consultation, giving residents another chance to share their views.
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9 comments
.RICHARD SHUKER
No more houses stone will not cope with more cars and more people definitely against it
Graham Finlay
Another blow to the environment. Green spaces taken away for more houses without the corresponding infrastructure of doctors’ surgeries, shops and schools. More traffic joining the A34 to create more hazards. Spoiling the canalside amenity by taking away green fields. This is of no benefit to the town, local residents or those who enjoy the towpath walk in and out of Stone.
Jacqueline Nelson BA
This is utterly disgusting, this land has and is home to endless wildlife and birds, Herons nest there, along with the Buzzard, kingfishers , and the kestrel. Endless species of birds, foxes, rabbits.
I’ve even found black newts there which I have pictures of. This field has been walked by many for over 40 years and I’ve spoke with many people regarding the ownership.
It has been believed that this field was left as wildlife haven, for the people of Stone to enjoy, admire and a safe space for the animals.
Over the last five years it has been rented out as farm land, Stripped of the wild flowers, brambles and had barbwire put up between trees at face height, to keep dog walkers out.
They have since harvested the field and each year I have take more photos of the decline.
But when I had an independent surveyor, his report can back as this is Green belt, NOT THE GRAY BELT THAT THE DEVELOPERS HAVE LISTED IT AS AND ALSO THE GOVERNMENT HAVE AGREED IT IS. So many points do not condemn this field as Grey Belt, SO FIGHT FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF WILD SPACE and don’t be fed lies…..
Leslie Nicholls
Well it’s sounds just what we don’t need how about all affordable homes as the young in stone need this rather than a losd of unaffordable homes. And the impact on the environment and local services we need a bigger doctors to cope with what we have at the moment nevermind more homes pulling on a over stretch system. So I say no
Jo Jervis
Please don’t spoil our lovely town by building yet more houses.
Brett Waring
We live opposite the proposed development and whilst I totally understand the need to build more hosuing I have concerns. Mainly about 1-2 years of construction and disruption to local residents, the impact on the environment and local wildlife. The area is a place of calm and tranquility. This will change and impact the lives of local residents and local wildlife. Which ever way you also see this it will be more traffic, condensed living and ruin the tranquility of the area. Our area welcomes fishing on the local canals, many will not have this relaxing privilege when construction starts. The impact to the A34 traffic routes also concerns me as a major route to Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent. Finally do you think this will effect the house prices of local properties and impact on the sale of a property? Of course it will and not in a positive way. I have real mixed feelings about this development, whilst we need new properties aren’t we just show horning them into a bit of green space without the thought to local residents and the new residents. I.e. living in a property meters away from the A34. On balance I am against this development.
Christine Macdonald
Has anyone thought about building more doctor surgeries, dental, parking at schools, parking in town for more 70 cars.
Just to name a few. Will they be private affordable houses or council houses.
More information needed
Oliver quinn
A school, dentist surgery, a building for emergency services or just leave the area alone!!!!!!!!!
Ken taylor
Another roundabout on the A34 for access, brilliant.