Former shoe factory to be demolished for homes

Stonefield Works in Oulton Road was a factory site for shoe firm Lotus until the 1970s

A former shoe factory building is set to be demolished to make way for up to 114 homes.

Stafford Borough Council delayed its decision on the Stonefield Works site in Stone in October after questions were asked about whether part of the building could be re-used in Hitachi Energy UK Limited's proposed housing development.

But a report to Wednesday's planning committee meeting said the "costs of retaining and converting the building could impact on the viability of the wider development".

The retention would also reduce the amount of family housing, including affordable, that would be delivered. Members voted to approve the scheme, subject to conditions.

'A different century'

The vote was in line with the planning officer's recommendation for the Oulton Road site, which was a shoe factory until the 1970s, and is considered the town's last link with the shoe industry.

It was subsequently used by ABB and Hitachi.

More detailed proposals will come forward at a later date. But the application sought outline consent for the demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment to provide up to 114 homes and public open space.

At the October meeting, ward councillor Philip Leason, a Stone historian, called in the application for consideration and said the frontage of a sister building in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, was successfully converted.

But the report said listed buildings at the former Down Shoes factory site were reused as offices, not homes.

The meeting also heard that as a "non-designated heritage asset", the Stone factory did not have the same degree of protection.

Tim Evans, who has spoken in support of the application, previously said securing permission for Stonefield Works's redevelopment was critical for helping Hitachi fund its proposal to relocate to new purpose-built premises at Stafford's Beacon Park.

Councillor Scott Spencer said he still had concerns and called it a "great shame" the building could not be retained.

But councillor Bryan Cross, who proposed the application be approved, said national policies put more emphasis on using brownfield sites.

"As much as it's part of the history of Stone, we're living in a different century now and things must progress," he said.

Councillor Anne Hobbs told the meeting: "It's really disappointing, but we should pass it really, especially in view of the 40% affordable housing [proposed].

"We have got a lot of people waiting for homes and we have got to think about them as well."

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