Hundreds of residents oppose plans for 50 houses

Hundreds of people in a Staffordshire town are against proposals for 50 houses on three fields.

CCP Developments (Stone) Limited announced plans earlier this year to build new homes on Manifold Drive, Cheadle.

Residents of the Rakeway Estate opposite the proposed development claim it would cause increased traffic congestion and heighten the risk of flooding.

Documents submitted by the developer state that additional traffic would be "barely perceptible" and that the land was deemed to be at low risk of flooding.

Almost 600 residents across Cheadle have signed a petition against the scheme, and several public meetings have been held, with so many wanting to attend that the venue size had to be increased.

The petition states that there are concerns about the only route to the development being via Rakeway Estate, meaning more traffic using roads "that are in poor condition now".

It also claimed that more housing would result in fewer green areas to soak up rainwater, and there was already "evidence of increased water lying and staying" in fields, roads and gardens.

The developer said that Staffordshire Moorlands District Council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, and therefore a presumption in favour of sustainable development exists.

Tracy Higgins, who has lived on the nearby estate for 21 years, was concerned more houses would alter the character of the market town.

"With all the buildings, it's going to be concrete everywhere," said the local, who was also worried about drainage and flooding issues.

Residents claimed that every time there was heavy rain, roads around the area turned into streams.

A flood risk assessment and drainage strategy produced by the developers stated that the site is in flood zone one, which is the lowest risk.

It added that the development would ensure increased surface runoff would not increase the flood risk elsewhere.

A planning committee is set to meet in mid-August to determine the application, with the public able to comment on the plans until 22 July.

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