Plans for 360 New Homes on Milford Road Submitted to Council
- Chris Shepherd
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3 min read
An outline planning application for a major new development of up to 360 homes on agricultural land north of Milford Road in Stafford has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council. The application, officially received by the council on Thursday 18th September 2025, has been lodged by the developer Hallam Land.
The proposals cover a 20.8-hectare site in Walton-on-the-Hill, currently consisting of two large fields. Residents can view and comment on the application via the council's planning portal:
What is Being Proposed?
This is an outline planning application, which means the developer is seeking approval for the general principle of the development, the number of houses, and the main access point from Milford Road. The exact design, appearance, and layout of the homes would be decided in later, more detailed "reserved matters" applications.
The key features of the proposal include:
Up to 360 new homes, with 30% (108 dwellings) designated as affordable housing.
Almost half of the site (48% or 9.94 hectares) would be turned into publicly accessible open space, including parkland and recreational footpaths.
The creation of new children's play areas, with plans showing up to two larger "LEAPs" (Locally Equipped Areas for Play) and two smaller "LAPs" (Local Areas for Play).
A new main access road from Milford Road, featuring a ghost island right-turn lane.
Impact on Local Services: Schools & Doctors
Concerns over the capacity of local schools and GP surgeries were the most frequently raised issues during a public consultation held in April and May 2025.
Schools: The development is projected to generate demand for 76 primary and 65 secondary school places. A report submitted by the developer, the Education Needs Review, argues that while some local schools are full, there is enough capacity within a wider 3-mile catchment area to accommodate these new pupils without needing to expand existing schools, when also considering other planned school projects in Stafford.
Doctors: Residents expressed fears that local GP surgeries are already "overwhelmed". The developer acknowledges these concerns and states that financial contributions towards healthcare could be made as part of the planning agreement, should a need be officially identified by the health authorities.
The Environment: Wildlife, Flooding, and Green Space
The site is currently made up of two large cereal crop fields, with hedgerows, a small woodland, and several mature trees.
Birds: A series of breeding bird surveys identified 43 different species on the site. This includes eight "red-listed" species of high conservation concern, most notably skylarks and linnets, which were observed showing territorial behaviour, suggesting possible breeding on the site. Eleven amber-listed species like the dunnock, song thrush, and wren were also recorded.
Biodiversity: Under new laws, developers must deliver a 10% "Biodiversity Net Gain" (BNG). An assessment of the current plans shows that while hedgerows would see a 40.94% gain, the development would result in a 5.47% net loss in habitat units overall. The report suggests this shortfall will likely need to be addressed through "offsetting" – funding habitat creation at another location.
Flood Prevention: The land is in Flood Zone 1, meaning it has a low risk of flooding. The plans include a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) featuring a series of attenuation basins (ponds) designed to manage surface water and prevent any increased flood risk to surrounding areas, even in a 1-in-100-year storm.
Economy, Traffic, and Public Feedback
The developer, Hallam Land, has highlighted the economic benefits of the project, which include a £55 million construction value, support for 73 temporary construction jobs, and an estimated £800,000 in additional council tax revenue per year once built.
The proposal is expected to generate 191 two-way car trips during the morning peak hour. To manage this, mitigation works are proposed for the Weeping Cross A513/A34 junction, including new lane markings.
The plans are now with Stafford Borough Council's planning department for a full consultation and assessment before a decision is made.
Berkswich Parish Council's response to the application will be agreed at the next Parish Council meeting at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at Walton Village Hall and residents are welcome to attend.
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