Plans to build homes on Stone green space spark dozens of objections

More than 50 people have objected to plans to build houses on a patch of green space in Stone.

An outline proposal for the land at Downing Gardens, Walton, has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council – and a design and access statement shows a potential layout of three homes.
But there are currently “five extremely beautiful mature trees” on the open space, Stone councillor Jill Hood said at the latest town council meeting, and “a lot of strong feeling” in the area. She has called in the application for consideration by the borough council’s planning committee.

Town councillors spoke out against the proposals. Councillor Philip Leason said:

“It’s completely out of character for the area, it is going to completely destroy the street scene for people who live in Downing Gardens. I think we should object most strongly.”

Councillor Robert Townsend raised concerns about destruction of green space. He added:

“There is a development plan for Stone that incorporates a lot of housing – we don’t need ad hoc developments like this.”

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “Government policy indicates the drastic need of new housing across the country, encouraging development in existing urban areas where possible. Providing new homes for local families to live in would be deem(ed) more vital than the loss of open space.

“Presently it is a low grade of green space in terms of habitat and local amity contributions, comprising of only rough grass and five individual trees. There are alternative green spaces within 250m of the site which pose greater potential for wildlife habitat and community enjoyment than would ever be feasible to introduce on the proposed development site.

“The scale of the proposed development is in keeping within the site and surrounding dwellings. As demonstrated by supplied drawings, it is not overbearing on the existing properties that surround and does not cause any issues relating to privacy.”

But a Downing Gardens resident highlighted five different bird species seen nesting or roosting in the trees. They added:

“We have recently seen a hedgehog and a fox on this land.

“Five mature trees stand on this space, four of which would have to be removed if this site was developed. This should not happen.”

Another Stone resident said:

“The original development of this estate in the late 1960s/early 1970s included the provision of green spaces as a direct result of a request from the then Stone Urban Council. This historical context demonstrates a long-standing recognition of the site’s function as integral green space.

“The proposed development is fundamentally inconsistent with this purpose and would result in the loss of a valuable community asset. The proposed development is not incidental to the original application, and there is no planning justification for it.”

Objectors also spoke of an application to build homes on another area of open space at Heath Gardens. The proposals for two bungalows on the much-loved green space, popular with dog walkers and children alike, were refused permission by the borough council in 2021 after receiving 95 objections.

Application Details

You can see the full plans and responses on the Stafford Borough Council Planning Portal:

• Visit Stafford Borough Council’s planning portal
• Search for Application 25/40223/OUT