A row of nine "derelict" garages in Cotes Heath are set to be flattened to make way for two new bungalows.

Stafford Borough Council has granted permission for the works at St James Green; plans show two, two-bedroom, semi-detached homes will be built.

Outline plans for the development were signed off last year, and now council officers have approved the detailed designs for the two new homes.

Approving the application, a council report said: "Due to the scale and position of the proposed dwellings when compared to the garages they are replacing, it is not considered that the development would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the green belt. 

"The scheme would also preserve the character and appearance of the area, and subject to conditions would not adversely impact on existing non-protected trees on the site and its boundaries."

The application described the homes as a "high quality residential scheme" which would suit the local area.

Plans for two, four-bedroom houses were previously refused, as was an application for a three-storey building.

The past applications were thrown out due to their perceived negative impact on the green belt, with council planners also saying the proposed homes would have created "an imbalanced relationship with the neighbouring terrace, detrimental to the character of the street frontage".  

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This latest application said it had addressed the previous concerns.

"The submission demonstrates that all relevant technical considerations have been addressed, ensuring that the site is suitable for residential development," the application said. 

"The proposal aligns with local and national planning policies, promotes sustainable development, and contributes to local housing needs while respecting the surrounding environment."

Click here to see the full planning application.