New homes are 'inappropriate' use of Green Belt

Council planning officers said Spout Lane was 'narrow and steep, with poor visibility'

Planning officers have recommended plans to build four homes on Green Belt land, which will go before councillors this week, be rejected.

More than 250 people objected to plans after a local applicant sought permission in principle to build on land west of Spout Lane in Baddeley Edge on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent.

The planning officers' report to the council's planning committee said it would be an "inappropriate development within the Green Belt".

The applicant, Trevor Brookes, said the "moderate development" is to enable him to stay in the family home and release funds to pay for care of one relative who has advanced dementia. City councillors are due to consider the application on Wednesday.

The government's National Planning Policy Framework states that "the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl" and that development should only be permitted in "very special circumstances".

Claims the proposed site constitutes grey belt land were rejected by the planners who also reported that due to poor visibility and minimal footway provision, "Spout Lane would not be suitable for the future occupiers to walk or cycle into the nearest local centre without being at risk from oncoming traffic."

Campaigners said the development would impact the open countryside and local services, while increasing flooding and there were concerns about road safety.

There were also 12 comments submitted in favour of the plans as supporters said the impact on traffic would be negligible, while Mr Brookes complained a "vigorous social media campaign" had stirred up local opinion after "falsely claiming" the proposal would lead to 150 more properties in the future.

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