Plans to build more than 350 homes on a former factory site in Stafford look set to be approved.
Developer St Modwen submitted a planning application for the construction of 365 homes on the old General Electric/Alstom complex, off Lichfield Road, last December.
Now members of Stafford Borough Council's planning committee are preparing to visit the site later this week (October 29) before making a decision on the application, StokeonTrentLive reports.
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Local residents have raised concerns about the safety of the proposed access to the development, and an impact on local services such as schools and parking issues.
But the proposals have been recommended for approval subject to a number of conditions which include the provision of affordable housing and a contribution towards primary education.
A report to the planning committee states: "The council's housing team have advised that 30 per cent of the development should be affordable housing, equating to 109 units. They have also advised that the affordable homes should be 80 per cent social rent (88 units), 20 per cent intermediate affordable (21 units).
"The housing team also advise that there is a shortfall of one and two-bed properties, and an oversupply of three-bed properties. As this is an outline application, the final housing mix would be considered at reserved matters stage.
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"The county council have advised that the erection of 365 dwellings would create a requirement for 77 primary school places, 52 secondary places and 10 post-16 places.
"The proportionate cost from this development for facilitating the delivery of such is £1,903,633, with £1,013,705 required towards the provision of additional primary places (and) £889,928 required towards the cost of a new secondary school."
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The report adds: "In conclusion, this development, whilst resulting in the loss of an employment site, is considered to be an acceptable housing site and the proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle.
"The indicative layout and detailed submission demonstrates that the proposed quantum of development could be accommodated while providing sufficient open space, residential amenity and flood attenuation areas."