Policy Context

Government Policy

The Government requires local planning authorities to have an up-to-date local plan to shape how land use and places will change and develop in the future. The planning system is intended to be genuinely plan-led. Local plans are required to provide a positive vision for the future of each area; a framework for addressing housing needs and other economic, social and environmental priorities; and a platform for local people to shape their surroundings. Local plans must support the delivery of enough homes to meet housing needs. Housing needs for a particular local authority area are established through a standard formula set by the Government.

South Staffordshire Planning Policy

South Staffordshire District Council is at an advanced stage in formulating a new Local Plan which sets out the vision and spatial planning strategy for South Staffordshire and allocates sites for new homes and employment land to meet the District’s needs up to 2042.

The spatial strategy identified Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley as Tier 1 villages where growth will be supported through the delivery of new allocations. The growth proposed recognises the greater level of services and facilities to support growth in these villages.

Land at Wolverhampton Road, Cheslyn Hay is identified as a proposed housing allocation to deliver a minimum of 49 homes in order to meet identified local housing needs to 2042. The site was previously removed from the Green Belt in 2018 and safeguarded to meet longer term housing needs.

The emerging Local Plan identifies the following key requirements of any proposal:

• The tree and hedgerow boundaries that border the site should be retained
• Site layout and design should be based on an environmental assessment that takes account of the permitted mineral operations next door
• Vehicular, walking and cycle access should be provided to Wolverhampton Road and additional access to Pinfold Lane should be explored
• Undertake any necessary assessments, mitigation and/or enhancement requirements relating to impact on the historic environment
• Any relevant policy requirements including affordable housing, open space, education, health, sports and recreation, energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, flood risk mitigation, highways, sustainable transport, housing mix and green infrastructure, should be delivered in in line with relevant standards.