Residents hit out at day centre homes bid

Local people have hit out after another planning application to convert an empty building in the Stonefield area into housing was made. They say the area’s congested streets cannot cope with any more vehicles.

Graham McCarthy from Fast Lane Car Sales in Trentham Road, Trentham, wants to convert the Kitchener Institute building on the corner of Berkeley Street and Victor Street into two two-bedroom and two three-bedroom units.

The Kitchener Institute was built in 1912 and was used as an educational establishment throughout its history, finally as a day centre by Staffordshire County Council before its closure.

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The county council’s highways department has raised no objections to the planning application, but local residents have complained about the possible impact of four new residential units on parking provision in the area. Four parking spaces will be provided in the Kitchener Institute courtyard but people living in Berkeley Street feel this isn’t enough.

Philip Wilson said: “I have real concerns about the provision of parking for these four units. Parking in the area is at a premium  and we already have the situation where access up Berkeley Street is a major issue that leads to parking has to be done on the pavement so that emeergency vehicles chave access if required.

“I’d also like to know what has been done around controlling access during the construction stage. The turning space into the site is very tight and a number of minor accidents have happened over the years.”

Nigel Jones said: “The provision of four off-road parking spaces is significantly less than what is required. The previous use of the building did not adversely impact on the very limited street parking  as it was used during the day only and the adults visiting the day centre were  were brought to the site by minibus. The majority of parking for the new residential units will be in the evening, when space is at a premium.”

Jenny McKenna said: “It’s logical to assume that with properties of this size, there will be more than four vehicles owned by the residents of these new dwellings.”

Click here to see the planning application and associated documents. A decision is due on 4th November, although it could be made after that date.

This latest bid for new housing in the Stonefield area comes after neighbours objected strongly to a bid to convert an empty shop in Edward Street into flats. A decision on that application has yet to be made.