Families are set to win their fight against plans to build homes in a field on the edge of a Staffordshire Moorlands village.

Applicant Karen Pitcher is requesting permission in principle for up to seven homes on Green Belt land off Farmside Lane, in Biddulph Moor.

The application has received 62 objections from members of the public, who raise concerns over issues such as the impact on the Green Belt and encroachment into the countryside.

Planning officers at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council believe the land meets the definition of 'grey belt', meaning it does not make a strong contribution to the purpose of the Green Belt.

But they have recommended the application for refusal, due to the adverse impact it would have on the character and appearance of the rural setting. Members of the planning committee will consider the application when they meet next week.

The application's supporting statement notes that the district council does not currently have a five-year supply of housing land.

It argues that the construction of seven dormer bungalows on land that has 'limited benefit in terms of its designation as Green Belt' would help address this housing land supply shortfall.

The statement also says that the site is 'not isolated' as it lies next to existing homes. But objectors reject the idea that the scheme would be village infill, and say it would have a harmful impact on the Green Belt.

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In his objection, Biddulph Moor resident Paul Gerrard states: "The effect on the numerous species of wildlife which use this land would be immense. How much more green space do we need to lose when there are plenty of brownfield sites to re-develop?

"The proposed dwellings are totally out of character with the surroundings and unsuitable housing for the area."

Objectors also raise concerns over the development's impact on local roads, but matters such as highways would only be considered at the technical details stage if planning permission is granted.

Planning officers agree that the site qualifies as grey belt, meaning development could be acceptable, as the land is not needed to stop unrestricted sprawl or prevent towns merging.

But the officers believe that the amount of development proposed would causes 'significant and demonstrable harm' to the 'particularly attractive and distinctly rural setting'.

The report to the planning committee states: "As a result of the proposed development the street scene would become more substantially built up and increasingly urban at the expense of the special rural setting of the village that contributes to the character of the area."

Planning committee members will consider the application when they meet on Thursday 23 April.