The developer, Taylor Wimpey, promises not only to provide a large number of new houses but also "a children's play area, new recreational routes for walking and cycling, a recreational area, an informal kick-about area and orchard." 

The application also states: "The new homes will help to create a vibrant and well-balanced community that provides opportunities for young people and families to live and work in the area, ensuring that residents of all ages have access to a good standard of housing." 

If approved, the development would see over 11 hectares of farmland turned into houses with Taylor Wimpey claiming that 60 of the 150 homes would be designated 'affordable'. 

However, the application has received several objections. 

Objector, Victoria Baggaley wrote: "I have long appreciated its [Eccleshall's] historic character, beautiful surroundings, and welcoming community atmosphere.  

"Eccleshall's charm lies in its heritage buildings, traditional high street, and picturesque landscape.  

"I am worried that the scale of the current development risks eroding the very qualities that make the town so special." 

Another objector wrote that the proposal was one of several "speculative and opportunistic unplanned and uncoordinated proposals" that will lead to the "general destruction of Eccleshall" as a small market town. 

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An aerial shot of the site (image via Stafford Borough Council)

Many people are worried that the estate would cause an increase in traffic on nearby roads, having a detrimental effect on the local community. 

Jane Ackroyd wrote: "The proposed development relies on access via Shaws Lane, which is a narrow residential lane that is already unsuitable for significant traffic volumes.  

"The proposal to widen the lane appears impractical and insufficient." 

Another resident added: "There have been three accidents on Shaws Lane in the past couple of years to my knowledge which have been reported to the police, at the properties either side of Tanglewood bungalow, which is a particularly nasty, tight bend." 

"These lanes would be used as a cut through and are already overloaded with constant traffic." 

Several of the objections expressed concerns about the capacity of local schools and GPs as well as the preservation of Eccleshall's rural identity. 

Reshitha Changula wrote: "Our historic community is under threat. Are these houses actually required?"