Plan for green belt houses and care home refused

Plans to build 85 homes and an 80-bed care home in Staffordshire have been refused.

South Staffordshire Council turned down the plans, which would have seen the development built on green belt land at Hockerhill Farm, Brewood.

The plans attracted 114 objections, with many noting the potential loss of the protected land.

A spokesperson for Boningale Homes said they were "surprised and disappointed" at the decision, which they said was reached without opportunity for them to respond or provide more information to the council.

Alongside the housing and care home, the plans also included a community car park, public open space and landscaping.

A planning statement said that the population in the district, especially of older people, was increasing and that the project would therefore meet local demand.

"This is a significantly positive contribution to South Staffordshire’s identified needs," the document said of the care home.

Objections from the public also included pressure on local GP services, increased traffic, and an adverse affect on wildlife and habitats.

South Staffordshire Council said the developer's arguments did not meet the "very special circumstances" needed to outweigh harm to the green belt.

It added that the care home was considered to have a "a detrimental impact" on the setting of nearby designated heritage assets - Brewood Conservation Area and a group of Grade II listed buildings centred on the Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary.

The decision also noted that insufficient information had been provided for several areas, including flooding risk, highway safety, and impact on protected species.

“We fundamentally disagree with the reasons for refusal and believe our application complies with all relevant policy and planning principles," the developer said.

“We are taking advice with regards to our next steps on the proposal.

“This proposed development would bring huge benefits to the area alongside new homes, including ample open space, affordable housing and a play area.”

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