Affordable housing concerns over new homes plan

A previous outline planning application for 64 homes was approved for the site

Plans for 43 new homes in north Staffordshire have been approved despite concerns about a lack of affordable properties in the development.

The application, for land off Lamphouse Way, Wolstanton, initially included a 25% allocation of affordable housing and a contribution of £5,579 per property towards off-site amenities.

However, applicant Markden Homes said these would mean the development could not be carried out.

Wolstanton councillor Philip Reece said he was disappointed to see the requirements removed.

Councillor Philip Reece said the borough needed affordable housing

“We desperately need affordable housing in Wolstanton and across the borough,” he said.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s planning committee voted to approve the application after they heard a previous outline application for 64 homes on the site was allowed.

Councillor Andrew Fear said it would be difficult to demonstrate conditions have changed to such a degree that no development could take place.

“We also have to bear in mind that the development will help us fill what is perceived, rightly or wrongly, a lack of housing at this juncture," he added.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.