Hundreds of residents are fighting 'catastrophic' council plans to build up to 1,200 homes – which they say will more than double the size of their village.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is drawing up a new masterplan for Packmoor which could see hundreds of homes built on 80-hectares of council-owned farmland.

Packmoor residents opposed to the proposals say they will result in the loss of valuable green space and put more pressure on local roads and services. In just five days a total of 330 people have signed a petition calling on the council to reconsider its plans for Packmoor.

The council says the masterplan will allow a 'clearer view' of proposed improvements to local amenities and highways, which could be delivered alongside the new housing. Cabinet members made the decision to produce the masterplan last month, following a consultation with local residents.

Lead petitioner Darren Bamford says the council is ignoring the feedback to the consultation, which included widespread opposition to development.

He said: "The majority of the residents and community feel the city council of Stoke-on-Trent are not listening to the general consensus of the residents.

"The sheer size of these proposed plans would be absolutely catastrophic for Packmoor.

"We urge the city council and cabinet to reconsider the proposed master plan, the impact it could potentially have on Packmoor, its residents, our 'unique identity as a village' and loss of our greenspace."

"Like most of Packmoor residents, I chose to live here and set up home because of the attraction Packmoor offers as a village, not a town.

"I do not accept "the city council knows best. They need to be challenged on this poor and flawed plan."

A technical assessment of the council-owned land to the south-east of Packmoor suggested that it could deliver between 800 and 1,200 homes. Most of the land would remain open space.

Mr Bamford says the higher figure could mean around 2,800 more residents – more than Packmoor's existing population of around 2,500 residents.

According to the petition, the development would be 'twice the size' of Packmoor's Silverstone, Blackbird Way and Jasmine Way estates combined, which together have 700 houses.

In making their decision last month, cabinet members said that doing nothing in Packmoor was 'not an option', but insisted that residents' concerns would be addressed in the masterplan.

Higher government housing targets have put the city council under pressure to deliver 948 homes a year – around twice the current rate.

A city council spokesperson said: "The council engaged extensively with hundreds of residents in the Packmoor, Fegg Hayes and Brindley Ford areas in 2024, and early 2025, and hosted numerous events in the local area.

"The council's cabinet has now determined that it is appropriate to develop a masterplan as the next stage in engaging residents. The masterplan will set out more specific proposals for further public consultation.

"It is recognised that some residents are opposed to this decision but it will enable a clearer view of the residential, extra-care facilities and highways improvements that could be delivered alongside new homes and affordable homes."

Further details on the council's plans for Packmoor, including a report on the recent consultation, can be found at www.stoke.gov.uk/packmoor

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