RESIDENTS in Baswich and Weeping Cross are mobilising forces against plans to build 100 houses in the area.
Staffordshire County Council has announced proposals for land it owns in Falmouth Avenue.
Residents will air their views tomorrow at a meeting organised by borough ward Councillors Ann Edgeller and Paul Trainor.
Some 30 per cent of the site will be for affordable homes and Stafford and Rural Homes will manage social housing there.
The county council held a consultation meeting earlier this month with another scheduled last night.
Jonathan Andrew, chairman of Baswich Community Group, said residents were concerned about the potential effect on traffic and infrastructure as well as wildlife and loss of open space.
“There’s quite a clear strength of feeling about this. To put 100 properties onto that site you are potentially looking at 150 extra cars at peak times. We have Weeping Cross doctors’ surgery and an additional 200 or so residents could put a real strain on that facility.” On its website SCC says it wants local people to have a say in how the land is used.
“The development will go some way to help Stafford Borough Council meet its targets for building new and affordable homes. However, we want local people to have a real say in how this land is used, and we’re keen to get your feedback.
“Following feedback from this public consultation we expect to submit an application to Stafford Borough Council in the autumn to ask for planning permission.” Councillor Paul Trainor said the purpose of the meeting was to take people’s views on board.
“There’s certainly strong feeling, a lot of people have contacted me about it. The land is part of the 2001 local plan so it’s likely some development will happen at some stage but if development has to happen we want it to be the right development for the area.”
