Nine homes at Baswich Lane, Baswich, Stafford

What was proposed

The application proposed nine detached two- and three-bedroom homes, with new accesses from Cornwall Drive and Truro Way.

“CONTEXT 1. Site and surroundings 1.1 The application site is located in the Baswich area of Stafford, on the junction between Baswich Lane and Cornwall Drive. It comprises an irregular shaped parcel of grassland that extends to approximately 0.54 hectares in size. The site is flanked along its northern boundary by a row of mature trees, with further mature vegetation to its western and southern site boundaries.”

“The application site comprises of land which had previously formed part of the protected route of the Stafford Eastern Bypass (Route C) or the ‘Eastern Distributor Road’ (EDR) a significant road improvement scheme proposed by Staffordshire County Council (SCC). However, SCC have confirmed that the proposed EDR has now been abandoned. 3.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was a 0.54-hectare grassland parcel beside Baswich Lane, Cornwall Drive, housing and the West Coast Main Line.

“The site is currently accessed via a footpath running along its southern boundary. An existing hedgerow and established trees planting extend along the northern and western edges of the site, creating a natural buffer to both the highway and railway line. A metal security fence extends along the railway boundary and the southern boundary road to Cornwall Drive is defined by post and wire fencing.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier outline housing application was refused and its appeal dismissed in 2015; the former Eastern Distributor Road route has since been abandoned.

“Background 2.1 Outline planning permission for residential development including open space and access off Cornwall Drive was refused and an appeal dismissed in 2015 (Ref:14/20225/OUT) on the basis that the Council had, at that time, a five year housing land supply and the development of this unallocated greenfield site outside the settlement boundary was contrary to Policy 1 – Stafford Town of the Plan for Stafford Borough (TPSB) which sought to concentrate new…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was accessible, the scheme was considered suitable in scale and design, and no adverse impacts were identified.

“Given the above considerations, the development is considered acceptable within the context of Spatial Principle 7 criteria (a) (adjacent to an existing settlement) and (b) (is of an appropriate scale to the existing settlement). In addition, the site is located in a highly sustainable location in terms of accessibility, with a range of services and facilities within a reasonable walking distance i.e.”

“It also has an above average score (56) using the new Connectivity Tool created by the Department for Transport. These factors count in favour of the scheme. For the reasons set out in the main body of the report, the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the area, providing an appropriate living environment for existing and proposed residents, not have a significant impact on highway safety, biodiversity or increase flood risk on the site or…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees generally raised no objections subject to conditions, while contributions were not sought for education or affordable housing because the scheme had nine homes.

“Sport and Outdoor Leisure Response 17 June 2025 The reduction in the number of planned dwellings to 9. Now takes it below the threshold of 10 dwellings, and no contributions are therefore required. Local Lead Flood Authority Response dated 4 June 2025 No objections, subject to a condition to ensure that the full detailed drainage design; management and maintenance plan and surface water management plan is submitted for approval.”

“The existing footpath/cycleway on Cornwall Drive an Baswich Lane provide the site with the connectivity to the local amenities and services The parking plan shows each property has 2 parking spaces which meets the Borough Council Parking Standards for the proposed 3-bedroom properties. No objections, subject to conditions regarding the completion and surfacing of the access and the provision of the requisite visibility splays.”

Officer report

Views from neighbours

Fifty-six neighbours objected over noise, traffic, infrastructure, loss of green space, flooding, ecology and other concerns; six responses supported the scheme.

“Neighbours (62 consulted): 56 responses received raising the following objections: • Noise and vibrations to residents due to proximity of railway line and insufficient mitigation proposed; • Increased noise from open market housing when compared from previous proposal for over 65s housing; • Loss of light/outlook/privacy to adjacent residential properties; • Loss of green space which provides visual buffer between existing development and the railway line; • Adverse impact…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Lead proposed deferral, and Councillors B M Cross and R A James proposed and seconded it.

The committee vote

The committee voted to defer the application without debate so new land ownership information could be checked.

“22/36499/FUL - Land Adjacent To Cornwall Drive And Truro Way, Off Baswich Lane, Baswich, Stafford The Development Lead reported that some new information had come to light at 4pm on the day of the Planning Committee regarding land ownership, and suggested that the item be deferred without debate, and will be brought back to the Committee when Officers are satisfied that all of the information provided is correct. He apologised for the short notice.”

“Councillor B M Cross proposed that the application be deferred without debate. This was seconded by Councillor R A James. On being put to the vote the proposal to defer application 22/36499/FUL was carried. RESOLVED:- that planning application 22/36499/FUL be deferred without debate, allowing for the checking of the new information. Councillor A G Cooper left the table for the following item, allowing him to speak as Ward Member. PC57 Application…”

Minutes