PLANS to build four one-bedroom apartments for rent in Keeling Road, Cheadle have been refused after councillors heard that the development could result in a loss of light to nearby homes.
Planning permission had been submitted by Ascent Housing, which is a joint venture between Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Your Housing to build 370 new affordable homes and 54 units for sale, across the Moorlands.
The proposed units would involved the demolition of the garage block in Keeling Road.
Speaking at last week’s meeting of the Moorlands council’s planning application committee, resident Anthony Maguire, said the development would have a big effect on residents.
Mr Maguire said: “I speak for myself and neighbours as there is strong objection to the development.
“My family have lived in the area since 1968 and these units will look into our home and block out daylight and also sunlight from reaching our property.
“If the new building stops light then legal action could be taken. I will be looking to the courts for compensation as part of our life will be lost for ever.
“There will also be loss of parking by the demolition of the garages. The balconies to the properties will allow people to see straight into gardens. The building could be moved towards Morrisons car park. Common sense should deal with these issues.”
Councillor John Fisher said the issue could be contested in the courts.
He said: “A 1832 Act is about the right to light. However there is no rights to a view.
“This could be contested in court. However planning officers state the distance meets requirement.”
Cheadle councillor Ron Locker said the need for the homes was there, but they did not want to infringe on people lives.
“This is a big plot, why can’t we look at building single storey accommodation on the site as this would get rid of the light issue? Keeling Road is prominent single story and this development would fit with residents.”
Another Cheadle councillor Stephen Ellis said there was a number of things wrong with the layout.
He said: “Keeling Road would have a solid cable wall and I do no like the linked block and the flat roof.
“We have also taken enforcement action against people having balconies.
Now we are being asked to approve our own. We would look stupid to take ourselves to appeal if it was refused.” Councillor Linda Malyon said that each application had to be judged on its own merit.
She added: “This looks awful and there are so many things wrong. It should go back to the drawing boards. People are saying lets have the right development, so come back with something better.”
Despite planning officers recommending approval that there would not be a loss of privacy and no overbearing issues to the development councillor refused the application by nine votes for five.
