An outline application for the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the ABB/Hitachi site for residential development of up to 130 dwellings, public open space and associated works have met with opposition from locals.
We reported in January 2022 that the Stonefield Works site was up for sale, and having previously had approved a 150-dwelling residential scheme that expired, it seemed likely that the next move would be for a fresh planning application to be put in.
Hitachi UK has submitted the application that would see the demolition of the current buildings on site, including the iconic Lotus factory building that faces on to Stone Road.
Objections have been raised on a number of grounds, including the lack of suitable infrastructure in the area, damage to local wildlife, plentiful other developments in the town and the loss of a potential heritage asset.
On the final point, a member of the Stone History Snippets Facebook group has applied to English Heritage to request that the Lotus Factory building be considered for listing. Group admin Tim Cockin has also written his objection to Stone Town Council about the loss of the building:
“Please may I lodge my objection and on behalf of many who participate in the Facebook page I administer – Stone History Snippets. We are AGAINST the demolition of Stonefield Works, Oulton Road, Stone -reference No. 22/36231/OUT, and ask Stone Town Council to recall for further consideration/ deliberation the planning application development/ not support the above application, because:
1). the factory represents the last vestige of Stone’s long involvement with its shoe making trade and the building is very fondly cherished, therefore. Many of Stone residents’ parents worked there, played sports and were entertained in, and in the grounds of this building.
2). is a very fine example of a modernist factory of the post WW2 years, rare in the English midlands.
3). its sister factory at Bainbridge, Northern Ireland, has been saved, and turned into residential flats, so why not this building?
4). the community fear more of the same uninspired, mediocre modern houses will be built Stone already has in abundance – a conversion of this property will create distinctive housing.
5). we feel not enough serious consideration has been given by the developer to the adaptation of the factory they obviously seek to demolish”
Should the development go ahead, the application lays out that 60 full-time employees will be out of work.
Although Stone Town Council are consulted on the applications, planning decisions are made at Stafford Borough Council. To this end, the ward councillors have issued the following update:
“The Stafford Borough Councillors representing St Michael’s and Stonefield Ward have reviewed in detail the planning application for the major housing development on Oulton Road, Stone (‘Oulton Works’ – 22/36231/OUT) and listened carefully to the concerns of local residents in relation to several matters, including loss of employment land, flood risk and loss of a potential heritage asset.
As a result, they will represent resident views before Planning Committee once a committee date has been allocated.
Ward Councillors: Ian Fordham/Rob Kenney/Philip Leason.”
Full details of application 22/36231/OUT can be seen on Stafford Borough Council’s Planning Portal
