Plans for 65 homes in village near Market Drayton approved

The green light has been given to build the mixture of homes off Market Drayton Road in Loggerheads, which lies within an area of Area of Active Landscape Conservation.

The development, which will be next to Loggerheads fire station, would include an area of green open space and a children's play area.

The plans were given planning permission due to Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council's inability to robustly demonstrate a five year housing supply.

A design and access statement setting out the plans says: "The vision for the Market Drayton Road site is the development of a contextually sensitive, high quality development of residential dwellings.

"Informed by its location at the boundary of Loggerheads village, the proposed development will see the creation of a positive interface between the rural and built environments."

A number of local residents had objected to the plans and Loggerheads Parish Council said sports, leisure and recreational upgrades were needed if the site was allowed.

The site currently consists of "moderate qualilty" agricultural land and is used for grazing.

Trevor Greenwood, of Market Drayton Road, raised a number of concerns, including the loss of current residents' views of the countryside.

He said: "One of the main reasons we chose the property was the outstanding views. We were quite devastated to find out that there was a planning application for a substantial number of houses in the field to the read of the property.

"To now find there is a plan to build houses in the field opposite it more distressing."

Phil Daley, of Kestrel Drive, also lodged an objection, citing concerns including loss of privacy and light, highway safety and the pressure on village services.

He said: "There are currently several other major housing developments currently at the planning stage within the area. If they were all to go ahead the existing infrastructure within Loggerheads regarding schools, GP access, drainage and utility supplies would not be able to cope."

Planning officers recommended that the development was approved subject to a Section 106 agreement to make 25 per cent of the houses affordable homes, contribute £132,976 towards education provision at Madeley High School, and contribute to improvements at nearby play areas unless one is provided within the development. The open space on the site must also be maintained.