Plans have been submitted for 38 affordable homes on previously developed land within the Green Belt at Yarnfield Park in Yarnfield.
Keon Homes is seeking full planning permission for the development, which would include a new access off Hayeswater Grove, landscaping and associated works.
The application site is located within the Yarnfield village settlement boundary and within the Green Belt. The adopted local plan also identifies the site as forming part of a wider ‘Major Developed Site’ within the Green Belt (the former BT training and conference centre at Yarnfield Park).
Neighbouring residents have until Friday 24 July to submit comments in support of or objection to the plans.
Social rent and shared ownership homes
Documents submitted with the application say all 38 properties would be affordable housing.
The proposed development would include 30 homes for social rent and eight shared ownership properties.
The housing mix would consist of four one bedroom homes, 15 two bedroom homes, 17 three bedroom homes and two four bedroom properties.
All of the properties would be two storeys.
The proposed designs include red and buff brick, sections of render and grey roof tiles. Parking, secure cycle storage and an electric vehicle charging point would be provided for each home.
Previously developed Green Belt site
The site is to the south of existing homes on Hayeswater Grove and Kielder Drive, close to Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre.
It is within the Stafford Green Belt, meaning the effect of the development on the openness and purpose of the Green Belt will be considered as part of the planning process.
Application documents describe the land as a vacant, previously developed site associated with the former BT training centre.
The land was previously used for parking, storage and training activities.
The applicant argues that the previous development of the site, together with the need for new homes, supports its redevelopment.
Stafford Borough Council will consider the Green Belt location and other planning matters before deciding whether permission should be granted.
Site Photos:
Access from Hayeswater Grove
Access would be provided by extending Hayeswater Grove into the development, with a series of smaller residential streets serving the homes.
A pedestrian and cycle connection would also be created to the existing route between Kielder Drive and Brookvale Drive.
Traffic assessment submitted
A transport statement submitted with the plans estimates that the development could generate around 212 vehicle movements during an average weekday.
It predicts 25 movements between 8am and 9am and 22 between 5pm and 6pm.
The report describes this as approximately one vehicle movement every two to three minutes during the busiest periods.
The applicant’s assessment concludes that the surrounding road network could accommodate the additional traffic.
This conclusion will be considered by the relevant planning and highways officers as part of the application process.
Landscaping and wildlife measures
The proposals include new trees, hedgerows, shrubs and landscaped areas throughout the site.
An existing oak tree identified within the application documents as being of low quality would be removed.
The applicant’s assessment says the required biodiversity improvement cannot be delivered entirely within the development. The remaining biodiversity gain would therefore need to be secured away from the site.
Proposed wildlife measures include fencing designed to allow hedgehogs to move between gardens, nesting features for birds and bats, and lighting intended to reduce the effect on wildlife.
How to view and comment on the application
Residents can view the plans and supporting documents through Stafford Borough Council’s planning portal by searching for application 26/41933/FUL.
The neighbour consultation period runs until Friday 24 July.
Residents can submit comments through the planning portal, including objections or representations in support of the development.
