2013 August: Planning Comments
5th August 2013 - We have presented the following 'Comments' on the latest consultation regarding Cheadle (following the Planning inspector hearings that occured in Feb 2013). We have conveyed that the policy is not Justified and not Effective . In Section 7 regarding why we consider it unsound we have stated:
The following is in addition to all the points raised to date regarding Cheadle development as detailed in our previous representations.
Cheadle Unite welcome the observation that the large scale development of Areas 1 & 2 was inappropriate and unfair for the North and North East area and residents of Cheadle and welcomes a reduction in numbers in this area defined as the removal of Area 2.
However in doing so residents do not understand the Justification for increasing the housing numbers for Cheadle by 110 dwellings to 1320 as part of a 500 property increase for the wider Staffordshire Moorlands area. The overall figures are far higher than is justified by local demand.
Therefore we are opposed to this increase and do not feel it is Justified or will make an effective policy.
Further, we request a direct reference to the overriding strategic policy document(s) that justify this increase along with a clear detail of the parliamentary sanctioned path on which it was based. As part of a democratic process, it is only through an understanding of this link that residents can influence future governments and government policies. We assume the planning inspector must be aware of this policy as part of a balanced and neutral assessment and therefore consider this a more than reasonable request.
Cheadle Unite are disappointed that major road modifications are being moved to the supporting documentation and hope this in no way reflects a significant toning down of the need for road improvements above and beyond minor road signage and traffic light tweaks.
We believe that whatever housing development does occur in the South West, that it must include or allow provision for a South West link road between the A521 and A522 as detailed in ‘A Local Transport Plan For Staffordshire 2000” as detailed below:
While there is varying claim to the value of this link road, any appropriate development in areas 4,4a and 5 can and should clearly make such provision in any future plot allocations. Developers should provide a clear straight run vehicle path for the link road, with adequate landscaping and clearance from the link road for the local residents. Appropriate planning at this stage will minimise cost to developers (who can clearly evaluate the benefits of having to pay for additional road development in Cheadle before developing the alternatives in regenerating areas in Stoke-on-Trent where road infrastructure are already in place I.e. they have a choice).
Our understanding is that South West residents believe there will be little demand for this road and therefore it should not have significant traffic impact on their lives. We also believe that any residents impacted by loss of view etc should be given adequate and appropriate compensation (as should residents for any urban extension developments). Cheadle Unite are sure that many properties around Cheadle have been sold and purchased over the years on the basis that residents have excellent views, walks etc and this must be valued, protected and compensated for if impacted in any way as part of a quality of life and it should be part of SMDCs commitment to the community to secure the best terms for its residents (not least as their employers). Issues regarding the legality of forcing declining standards of living and health implications of slow moving traffic have been raised in a previous representation.