2,000 homes get green light in Staffordshire

Worcestershire-based developer Maximus has won planning permission for a major development that it says could provide up to 28% of Stafford borough’s 2031 housing target.

The plans, approved by Stafford Borough Council yesterday (Monday 13 January), will see 2,000 homes built on 430 acres to the north of Stafford.

The proposals also include two brand new schools, a health centre, two local centres and a 60 bed care home at the heart of a new rural village.

A five-form secondary school will be complemented by a two-form primary school in the village.

The plans also map out an area for a destination park for local residents with cycling and pedestrian paths.

The land, off Junction 14 of the M6 Motorway, is part of the Northern Urban Extension to Stafford.

The Housing Plan for Stafford Borough, which was adopted in 2014, identifies the need for 7,200 new homes within the borough by 2031.

Maximus managing director Jon Hickton said: “We are delighted and relieved that Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee recognised the merits of our scheme.

“We have been consulting with interested parties and key stakeholders since 2013 to ensure that our proposals were delivered in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. What we are envisaging here is the creation of a new community with supporting health centres, schools and shops, as well as green space for recreation and leisure.

“This development of 2,000 homes will go a long way to meeting Stafford Borough’s target of 7,200 homes by 2031.”