More than 170 objectors have won their battle to stop nine homes being built on farmland on the edge of Stafford.

Fears were raised that the proposal for land off Milford Road, Walton-on-the-Hill, could set a precedent for a larger development to come forward in the future – and the area's MP said the site could not be regarded as suitable for residential development in principle unless safe and suitable access could be demonstrated.

Permission in principle (PIP) was sought for the development of up to nine homes on the land, meaning Stafford Borough Council was only able to consider the location, land use and amount of development when making a decision.

A report to the council's planning committee said the site was located less than 12 metres from the Stafford settlement boundary, placing it within open countryside, and 60 metres from the Cannock Chase National Landscape designated area.

Cllr Peter Edgeller called the application in for consideration by the planning committee.

He highlighted a lack of local facilities, access to the site being near a junior school and the location near Cannock Chase.

A resident who spoke against the application at Wednesday's planning committee meeting (28 October) said: "The site plan clearly shows a road layout designed to create access to the land behind the site and release potential for 158 homes.

"If this were for merely nine homes, then why have the road layout shown on the plan – I can tell you the nine homes are a red herring and this is a cynical way to use PIP for a purpose that was not intended.

"This land abuts Cannock Chase National Landscape; you would have to remove the sign that says that if you put this into approval.

"Local and national policies impose a duty on Stafford Borough Council to protect the Chase and its surrounding environment – to approve this application would be a dereliction of that duty.

"The land lies outside the settlement boundary, is not allocated for development, will clearly impinge on the National Landscape and is using a greenfield site.

"There is already an acknowledged dangerous pedestrian road junction with School Lane and the A513 at this point."

Applicant Richard Haszard, who spoke in support of the application, said: "There is no objection to the plans from the highways officer and the planning officer does recommend this.

"I consider the site is an extremely suitable location for a small scale housing scheme.

"This is a modest Permission in Principle application for nine houses.

"It falls below the threshold for major development, and as such is appropriate to the location.

"The Local Plan does not make provision for the level of housing now required.

"And given the recommendation I request you approve this planning application."

Members of Stafford Borough Council's planning committee voted to reject the application at their meeting on Wednesday however, on the grounds of loss of agricultural land.

Cllr Scott Spencer said it was not clear whether or not the site was considered best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land.

He added: "For that reason, I cannot see how we can make a decision if we don't know the land quality."

Cllr Bryan Cross said: "I can't put my finger on it, but this application is not right."

Header image via Brian Deegan on Geograph