Following concerns raised by local residents, Sir Gavin Williamson has called on Stafford Borough Council to put a stop to inappropriate and unsightly distribution warehouses around Stone.
Sir Gavin has called on the Council to review its planning process and policies for granting planning permission for distribution centres, classified as B8 developments. This follows the granting of a planning application for a major distribution centre on the outskirts of Stone on the A34. This has caused considerable upset in the local area due to the development’s sheer size and impact on the local community. B8 developments include warehousing and open-air storage, suitable for areas of industrial or commercial activity.
When located close to residential areas, B8 developments cause disruption to local commuters and degrade the landscape. Sir Gavin demanded that the compatibility of future B8 developments with the surrounding area be more rigorously assessed, and that local interests be better protected.
Sir Gavin said: “It has been a great disappointment to many that Stafford Borough Council showed little consideration for residents when approving such a large distribution centre near Stone. The development is too close to Stone for local opinion on the site to be given little priority. I have called on Stafford Borough Council to look at the policies in place regarding planning permission, to make sure we don’t have even more of these developments.”
“Most residents in Stone see the development of these mega distribution warehouses on the outskirts of the town as completely inappropriate, out of keeping and not in the right location. As an advocate for our green spaces, I’m concerned that these large B8 developments disrupt the beauty of Staffordshire’s natural landscape and take away from local enjoyment of the area. I have urged Stafford Borough Council to ensure that these considerations are taken far more seriously when future developments are suggested, so that Stone does not fall victim to overbuilding.”
