Plans for 46 new homes approved despite objections

A plan for up to 46 homes on the edge of village, which received hundreds of objections, has been approved.

South Staffordshire District Council received more than 340 objections to the Wheaton Aston development, over concerns about public transport and services.

The planning committee approved the outline application for the land at Fentonhouse Lane this week - with 19 properties set to be affordable homes, 10 for social rent and nine for shared-ownership.

Further detailed plans, covering matters including housing type, design, and layout, are set to come forward in another application at a later date.

Councillors heard that information in a report about the village having a Post Office was incorrect, as the facility had been closed for a number of years.

The planning committee was told that the lack of a Post Office in the village did not make a significant difference however.

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting, objector Winnie Millington said: "You refused a recent application in Wheaton Aston because it was outside the village boundary.

"Fentonhouse Lane is also a village boundary."

Millington went on to say the boundary protects an internationally important SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), international SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and national nature reserve – Mottey Meadows – which is less than 500 metres from the proposed development.

Agent Paul Harris, who spoke in support of the application, said there will be no erosion of the Green Belt as a result of the development.

He added: "The potential effects of the development, which include things like air quality and hydrological interest, have been thoroughly investigated.

"The firm conclusion, following robust analysis, being subject to appropriate mitigation proposed is there will be no significant effects on Mottey Meadows."

The applicant is also said to be offering a "sizeable contribution" to the development of local playing fields.

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

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