First look at Aspire's flats plan that families fears will 'strain' village

Plans to build 42 flats on the former site of 14 bungalows are set to be approved, despite claims of 'overdevelopment'. Aspire Housing wants to build the affordable properties on land at St Luke's Close, in Silverdale, where bungalows were demolished in 2023.

The proposed development would consist of 30 one and two-bedroom apartments within a three-storey building, and three two-storey blocks, each comprising four one-bedroom flats. Thirteen people have objected to the application, along with Silverdale Parish Council, saying the scale of the development is 'out of keeping' with the area, would not address local housing needs and would cause traffic problems on Station Road.

But planning officers at Newcastle Borough Council have recommended the scheme for approval, saying the development is in a 'highly sustainable' location, and would 'integrate well' with the surrounding area. Members of the planning committee will make a decision when they meet on Tuesday evening.

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According to the application, all of the homes within the proposed development will be for affordable rent. The application states: "The proposal will contribute positively to the regeneration of this area of Newcastle-under-Lyme, by redeveloping a vacant brownfield site in a sustainable location, which is close to local facilities. It will increase the range of residential accommodation, as well as the supply of affordable housing within the borough. The proposed development would not result in any significant adverse impacts on the surrounding environment or biodiversity."

But objectors say too many homes are being proposed, putting too much pressure on local roads and amenities, and that a three-storey block of flats would not be appropriate for the area.

Objector Julie Milllar states: "The amount of houses proposed is unsuitable for the area. There have already been large-scale building developments close by which have put a considerable strain on the poor road infrastructure which constantly sees non-stop speeding traffic along Sneyd Terrace, Church Street and Newcastle Street.

"The schools are full to capacity and the doctors surgery is unable to take on any more patients. Silverdale cannot continue being overdeveloped in this way."

Planning officers, though, believe there will be an acceptable level of amenity, saying that the size of the three-storey building would not result in a loss of privacy for existing residents.

Objectors have also pointed out that the flats will not accord with national space standards, with a typical two-bedroom apartment in the scheme being 55 square metres, compared to the recommended standard of 61 square metres. But officers say this 'slight shortfall' is acceptable in a 100 per cent affordable scheme.

Highways officers have not objected to the application, saying that while 35 parking spaces for 42 homes is below the maximum number recommended, an affordable scheme is likely to have lower car ownership.

The planning committee will consider the application when it meets at 7pm on Tuesday.

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