Plans have been submitted for 38 affordable homes on vacant Green Belt land at Yarnfield Park in Yarnfield. Keon Homes is seeking full planning permission for the development, which would include a new access off Hayeswater Grove, landscaping and associated works.

The applicant states the site was previously developed and associated with the former BT training centre. The land was previously used for parking, storage and training activities.

Housing mix and design

All 38 properties would be affordable housing. The development would consist of 30 homes for social rent and eight shared ownership properties.

The housing mix includes four one bedroom homes, 15 two bedroom homes, 17 three bedroom homes and two four bedroom properties. All properties would be two storeys.

The proposed designs include red and buff brick, sections of render and grey roof tiles. Each home would have parking, secure cycle storage and an electric vehicle charging point.

Green Belt and planning considerations

The site is within the Stafford Green Belt, to the south of existing homes on Hayeswater Grove and Kielder Drive, close to Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre. Stafford Borough Council will consider the Green Belt location and other planning matters before deciding whether permission should be granted.

The applicant argues that the previous development of the site, together with the need for new homes, supports its redevelopment.

Access and transport

Access would be provided by extending Hayeswater Grove into the development, with a series of smaller residential streets serving the homes. A pedestrian and cycle connection would also be created to the existing route between Kielder Drive and Brookvale Drive.

A transport statement submitted with the plans estimates that the development could generate around 212 vehicle movements during an average weekday. It predicts 25 movements between 8am and 9am and 22 between 5pm and 6pm, approximately one vehicle movement every two to three minutes during the busiest periods.

The applicant's assessment concludes that the surrounding road network could accommodate the additional traffic. This conclusion will be considered by planning and highways officers as part of the application process.

Landscaping

The proposals include new trees, hedgerows, shrubs and landscaped areas throughout the site. An existing oak tree identified within the application documents as being of low quality would be removed.

Have your say

Neighbouring residents have until Friday 24 July to submit comments in support of or objection to the plans.