Plans to build 122 new homes on "underutilised" fields between two Stoke-on-Trent communities have now been lodged. Keepmoat Homes is behind the proposed development for land at the rear of Magdalen Road, between Hem Heath and Blurton.
A full planning application has been submitted to the city council after public consultation was carried out in October. The proposed housing estate, which includes public open space and a 'local area of play', comprises eight one-bed, 22 two-bed, 88 three-bed, and four four-bed homes in total.
This would be provided by a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes. The plans come after we reported earlier this year that controversial plans to build up to 119 new homes on the land - lodged before the Covid pandemic - had been scrapped.
Construction giant Bellway Homes West Midlands had been behind the proposals to construct the housing estate. During the recent public consultation, the planning application states that the housebuilder received a total of 27 responses - all but one of which were made online.
Of those, 16 raised objections, six expressed support, two remained neutral, and a further two were unsure of their stance. The one letter received by post opposed the development.
The design and access statement, submitted on behalf of the applicant, concludes: "The proposed residential development by Keepmoat Homes comprises 122 dwellings on a site located at Magdalen Road Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent. The site, currently an underutilised green space, is located offering good access to public transport, local schools, retail amenities, and employment centres.
"Key design principles include the retention and enhancement of existing landscape features, such as mature trees and hedgerows, and the incorporation of new green infrastructure to support biodiversity and visual amenity. Public open space is provided in both formal and incidental forms, including a centrally located Local Area of Play (LAP), and landscaped buffers along the site's boundaries.
"Pedestrian and cycle permeability is prioritised through the retention and diversion of existing public rights of way, alongside new footpath links that connect to surrounding residential areas. Housing is arranged in clusters to promote a sense of community, with a mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom dwellings distributed across the site.
"A varied and visually engaging streetscape would be achieved. The net residential density of 41.76 dwellings per hectare allows for a balanced mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes, with lower densities towards the southern edge of the site.
"The development adopts a 'fabric first' sustainability strategy, incorporating energy-efficient construction methods, air source heat pumps, EV charging points, and photovoltaic panels. These measures are expected to deliver significant reductions in carbon emissions and contribute to the long-term resilience of the site.
"Additionally, the landscape strategy supports biodiversity net gain through habitat creation, species-rich planting, and ecological connectivity. Overall, the proposal demonstrates a well-considered response to site constraints and opportunities, delivering a high-quality residential environment that integrates with its surroundings and supports sustainable living."