Plans to build a new drive through restaurant and electric vehicle charging hub on land north of Stone have returned to Stafford Borough Council.
The authority refused permission for the development, earmarked for land off the A34 opposite the George and Dragon at Meaford, saying it would have resulted in “significant urban encroachment into a continuous green space”.
An appeal lodged against the decision was rejected last year. Planning inspector Zoe Raygen concluded that the benefits of the scheme would not be sufficient to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.
A new planning application has now come forward from George Developments Limited. It proposes 31 electric vehicle charging bays equipped with solar panels and a substation, as well as picnic areas and a drive-through restaurant.
A design and access statement submitted as part of the latest application said:
“It is considered that the proposed hub is well-suited to the site’s location and will provide a pleasant rest stop for the area. There will be access to the site for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
“It benefits from good pedestrian infrastructure, is easily accessible from the surrounding cycle network, commercial properties, and local towns with access to the M6 south of the site and A51 to the north. The electric vehicle charging points will encourage more sustainable transport methods and help future-proof the area.
“The design of the proposal has considered the views from the Meaford Conservation Area and focuses on enhancing the natural appearance of the site, incorporating additional improvements to ecology and biodiversity. The proposed development is a well-considered design that is appropriate to the locality, and the site itself is classified as grey belt.”
Planning application details – 25/41347/FUL: Creation of an electric vehicle charging hub comprising 31 charging bays equipped with solar panels and a substation (Sui Generis), picnic areas and a drive-through restaurant (Use Class E), with associated access, car and cycle parking, and landscaping on land off A34 opposite George and Dragon, Stone Road, Meaford
16 comments
Linda
Don’t forget about the light pollution that will be created from it. It’s difficult to see the night sky enough as it is.
Bob
Green space!!
Sustainable fuel which is never pushed – government pushing us down the electric route.
Infrastructure exists!!!
Give us the choice!!
Existing EV points always empty or not working!!
Steve
‘easily accessible from the surrounding cycle network’.
Yeah a lovely cycle down the 50mph A-road to get there…
Mrs L A Reynolds
If you want to object the planning application is – 25/41347/FUL
email – planning@staffordbc.gov.uk
There is a portal on the website….
Soooooo… complicated
Mrs Lesley A Reynolds
The planning application number if you want to object is –
25/41347/FUL This can be done on Stafford Brough Council , planning portal, or email planning@staffordbc.gov.uk
Or call 01785 619337
Consultation is 27th February 2026 so the sooner the better.
Tony Williams
No need for more EV charging points when there are plenty at the Shell station half a mile up the road and also at the Starbucks and Darlaston services which are even closer. The cost of these charging stations is prohibitive for most EV car users in comparison to home chargers so will only benefit a passing minority. The use of green belt land for these purposes is totally unacceptable, too much green land around Stone is being developed already.
its a log bound water field why not put it be low the lower ground of where the eco garage is
as above
Mrs L A Reynolds
What is the matter with these people put it on the industrial estate, leave the trees grass and little animals alone.
If people need to charge up the industrial estate is close enough.
Leave nature alone 3 large garages on the same stretch of road it’s enough.
Jordan Hewison
Stone cant support it’s own so they need to try scrape every penny they can off people travelling through. Its terrible and we dont want it there. Somewhere safe yes! Just not thrown on a busy roundabout thats always causing accidents.
CEJ
There is already litter around from Greggs on the roundabout, just imagine what McDonalds litter will be like! The litter will also be going in the river.
Rob
Fantastic news. Would love a maccies or if not a KFC or maybe a caravan site too
Loveday
Why was it not acceptable last time but could be this time? We do not need a drive through restaurant with all the litter that comes with it. There are more sensible places to put charging hubs – the supermarkets could make more effort. Making money at the expense of the environment is unacceptable.
Richard Shuker
Definitely against it no need for more EV chargers the ones near by are never full as for the DRIVE- THRU MCDONALD’S JUNK I SURPOSE
Martin
As long as the design is sympathetic to the environment. I can’t see the issue, it’s called progress and much needed jobs to the area.
Victoria Platt
It’s still a no from me. Why do we need another set EV charging points? There’s charging points at the new Starbucks, the new service station on the island and at the Shell garage. We need to protect land from people rubbish and pointless building.
Mel Lester
They are not really interested in improving the ecology and biodiversity, they are just disparate to get the Drive-thru. I’m sure they will be crossing palms with silver to push it through