Developer bids to delay junction improvements

The developer of a 200-home estate has asked for permission to delay improvement work on two nearby junctions.

Bellway Homes was granted approval in 2024 to build the Baldwins Gate Grange development, which is being constructed on the edge of Baldwin's Gate, Staffordshire.

As part of the planning permission, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said Bellway must make improvements to the two nearby junctions of the A51 and A53 before more than 50 homes were occupied.

The firm has now said 50 homes would "make very little difference" to the junction's operation and submitted an application to raise the limit to 100.

The proposed amendment to the condition has been recommended for approval, and planning officers said there would be "no adverse impact on highway safety".

A decision is set to be made by the authority's planning committee when it meets on Tuesday.

The changes to the two junctions, located either side of The Swan With Two Necks pub, will include the installation of traffic lights.

Twenty-five residents have contacted the council to raise concerns over vehicles, including HGVs, potentially being diverted via narrow country lanes as a result of the work.

Maer and Aston Parish Council was not opposed to the application to raise the limit from 50 to 100 homes, but said residents' concerns should be re-examined and another road safety audit should be carried out.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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