Permission in principle has been granted to build up to four new homes in the grounds of a Stafford bungalow – but councillors are concerned that number would be too many for the site.

The existing bungalow would be demolished as part of the redevelopment plans for the Old Croft Road site in Walton-on-the-Hill.

Permission in principle allows consent to be obtained for housing on a site before technical details such as design and layout come forward at a later date. A report to Stafford Borough Council's planning committee said: "The scope of permission in principle is limited to location, land use and amount of development.

"Issues relevant to these 'in principle' matters should be considered at the permission in principle stage. Other matters should be considered at the technical details consent stage."

The application was called in for consideration by the planning committee by ward councillor Peter Edgeller however, he raised concerns that the development of four new homes on the site would mean uprooting mature trees, and also highlighted its location along a "major route out of Walton" considered "too dangerous to develop any more houses on this route".

Nicola Alcock, who spoke on behalf of Old Croft Road residents at Wednesday's planning committee meeting (11 March), said it was recognised that "some form of redevelopment may be possible" on the site.

But she added: "The question is whether four dwellings represents an appropriate amount of development – the officers' report raises serious doubt on this.

"It requires a new vehicle access on Old Croft Road, which is very busy and experiences significant traffic.

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No tree officer advice has been received, despite the presence of mature trees which contribute to the amenity of the area."

Carl Croft, who spoke in support of the application at the meeting, said the 0.47 acre site was located in the defined settlement boundary of Stafford and surrounded by existing buildings.

He added: "Even if four homes were built, each would occupy 471 square metres of land.

"Planning officers have concluded there are no material reasons to refuse permission in principle. It would make a modest contribution to local housing supply."

But committee member Councillor Ann Edgeller said: "I disagree with the number of properties proposed for the site. 

"It is located on a corner bend and a very dangerous one."

Councillor Bryan Cross said: "It's completely incongruous to visual amenity of the site.

"It gives me some concern the number of dwellings they are asking for."

Councillor Scott Spencer said: "I think four is totally unreasonable for this plot.

"Two to three maximum dwellings would be more appropriate."

But the committee went on to allow the application however, with four members voting for approval, one against and four abstentions.

Councillor Spencer said: "We don't have sufficient evidence or reasons to refuse it – I think we have got to wait until the full application comes through."

(Header image by Richard Law via Geograph.org.uk)