Housing development plans approved after road safety concerns

By timesecholife on in All News, Community News

A PLANNING application which initially brought concern to Moorlands residents has been approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC). A previous plan that was drawn up by developers Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy drew in several objections from members of the Cheadle community who voiced their worries over how busy Rakeway Road – the location of the proposals – can be. Objectors highlighted that the developments would be placed on a “blind bend” and that if residents parked on the road, it could cause serious safety risks to other motorists.

Gregory Powell, who was one of the objectors, said: “Residents feel for road safety. There must be adequate off road parking and prohibition of on‐road parking.

“Traffic from Cheadle heading to Freehay cannot see any oncoming traffic that may be in their lane.”

A revised application “following concerns regarding the scale and suburban character and appearance of the scheme” included off-street parking – two spaces for each dwelling – with an access point.

Concerns of the position of the access point to these dwellings were iterated by Cheadle councillor Ian Whitehouse at a SMDC Planning Committee on Thursday, August 15.

He said: “Being a local there (in Cheadle) I know full well that it is a very fast road there indeed.

“You’re coming on to a bit of a blind corner when you get there, that’s my only concern with that.”

Housing agent Rob Duncan stated at the meeting that the local highways agency agreed “the position of the access is the optimal position for visibility.”

He said: “The development is a result of positive discussions with your officers and will secure the delivery of six cottages that are of a modest scale-massing in design that is respectful to the rural character of the site.

“The original submission had raised concerns with the local highway authority but those have subsequently been resolved by way of an amended plan which confirms that adequate visibility can be achieved.”

Councillor Jim Davies added: “Its nice to see some houses which are not five-storey, fifteen-bathroom houses.

“I’m very pleased.”

The council’s planning committee unanimously voted to approve the plans.

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