Plans for 48 new homes on the site of the former Clayton Lodge Hotel on Clayton Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme have been given the green light.

Officers said the state of the site is causing it to detract from the character of the area, and there are also issues relating to trespass and vandalism on the site.

A report on the proposals stated: "The site has been designed to include a good number of varied house types with the chosen designs being considered to be acceptable additions to the local design vernacular.

"A number of landscaped areas and new planting will also help to break up new built up frontages and soften the overall visual impact of the development."

Speaking in support of the plans, ward councillor Andrew Parker said: "I heartily welcome this proposal.

"For a number of years now we've had to look at this unpleasant eyesore which has been subject to arson and vandalism.

"I understand there are a number of objections from residents, but I'm glad the developers have revised the application.

"They have come back and listened to what people have said, and moving forward this is a promising development."

The hotel has not been in use since before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and is currently in a state of disrepair (Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council).

Racheal Bibby, senior land and planning manager at Lioncourt Homes, said her firm had tried to improve security at the site since they took it on just under a year ago – and added that having the site developed for housing would put a stop to antisocial behaviour there.

She said: "We purchased the site in March 2022. At the time of the purchase the hotel had been closed for some time and subject to arson and antisocial behaviour.

"Since our ownership we've improved the security of the site, but unfortunately this has not prevented antisocial behaviour, causing distress to local residents and a strain on police resources.

"I strongly believe the proposals will enhance the character of the area and put a stop to the antisocial behaviour which is taking place as a daily occurrence."

She added: "Lioncourt pride themselves on a high standard of design. We adopt a fabric-first approach to construction – with high levels of insulation, enhanced ventilation, reduced water usage and airtight houses, keeping energy demand low."

Each home will have its own EV charging point as well as cycle storage and off-street car parking.

Clayton Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme (Google).

All the existing buildings on the site will be cleared, and the scheme will also result in the loss of several trees which council officers say provide habitats for a number of animal species.

The planning committee felt this was outweighed by the overall improvement of the derelict site, and noted there would be some replanting once the scheme is completed.

Cllr Dave Jones said: "We've seen it fall into disarray, and I think this would be a good use of the site.

"It will enhance green spaces, as it's creating a better green space on a brownfield site."

He asked why there would be no developer contributions to local amenities included as part of the scheme.

He was told this wasn't required under planning rules, due to the overall footprint of the site being less than that of the previous buildings.

Some residents raised concerned that the development would lead to extra traffic and strain on local resources, as well as concerns about a heritage building.

Officers said it was considered that there wouldn't be an increase in traffic when compared with that of the former hotel, and that the building does not have a formal listed status.

They recommended the development for approval and councillors agreed unanimously to approve the plans.

READ MORE: Stoke Council leaders meet Government Ministers at 10 Downing Street

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