The Planning Applications Committee of Staffordshire Moorlands Council met on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to discuss various planning applications and related matters. Key decisions were made on several significant applications, including the approval of a café and tea room at Springfield Farm, the refusal of an extension at Cheadle Equestrian Centre, and the rejection of a residential development on Park Lane, Cheadle.

Springfield Farm, Yume Lane, Wellington

The committee approved the application to convert an agricultural building at Springfield Farm into a café and tea room. The decision followed a detailed discussion about the environmental impact and the benefits to the local community. Despite objections from local residents concerned about noise and environmental damage, the committee found that the proposal complied with green belt policy and would not significantly increase vehicle movements.

Cheadle Equestrian Centre

The committee refused the application for a two-storey side extension and a single-storey rear extension at Cheadle Equestrian Centre. The decision was based on concerns about the visual impact and the potential harm to the character and appearance of the area. The committee noted that the existing dwelling was already deemed sufficient for the needs of the equestrian worker and that the proposed extensions would be disproportionately large.

Park Lane, Cheadle

An outline application for residential development at Park Lane, Cheadle was refused. The committee concluded that the proposal did not meet the criteria for limited infilling within a village and would have a detrimental impact on the green belt. Despite the applicant's personal circumstances and the need for accessible housing, the committee found that the development would extend the suburban form into the countryside, contrary to planning policies.

Clough House, Oakamoor

The committee deferred the decision on an extension at Clough House, Oakamoor to allow for further dialogue between the applicant and planning officers. The proposed flat roof and dormer window were points of contention, with concerns about their impact on the conservation area. The committee expressed a willingness to find a mutually agreeable solution that would preserve the character of the Victorian villa.

Greenacres Farm, Biddulph

The application to replace a stable with a single dwelling at Greenacres Farm, Biddulph was refused. The committee was concerned about the potential noise impact from an adjacent skip yard, despite the applicant's assurances that the yard would cease operations. The environmental health officer's objections regarding noise levels were a significant factor in the decision.

TPO at One Bank End, Brown Edge

The committee refused the application to fell a mature sycamore tree at One Bank End, Brown Edge. Despite the applicant's concerns about safety and the impact on their disabled son, the committee found that the tree made a significant contribution to the landscape character and that its removal was not justified.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Late Representations Report.