Plans to build 320 homes on 'low quality' green space are set to be approved. Mansion House Group Midlands Limited is proposing the residential development on land off Scotia Road, in Tunstall, behind the Asda supermarket.

The scheme, which has been recommended for approval by planning officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, would consist of 227 houses and 93 care-at-home apartments. Five members of the public have objected to the plans, citing issues such as over-development, the loss of wildlife, and traffic impacts.

Asda, while supporting the scheme, has also raised concerns over the potential for estate traffic clashing with HGVs accessing the supermarket. But planning officers say the principle of development at the site is acceptable, and no significant adverse impacts have been identified. Members of the planning committee will consider the application when they meet on Wednesday.

The land was previously used for mining, clay extraction and landfill, and is now covered in grass and scrub. According to the officers' report, the site is seen as low quality green space, and over the years it has been subject to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

Asda supports the scheme but raised concerns about traffic clashing with HGVs accessing the supermarket (Google).

The report states: "Overall, the application site is in a sustainable location, having good accessibility to Tunstall and Burslem, and a variety of transport modes. There are no up-to-date local planning policies that would preclude the proposed development being considered favourably."

The proposed houses would be mostly two and three-bedroom properties, with a few four-bedroom units, while the care-at-home apartments would be contained within three blocks at the southern end of the site. A quarter of the homes would be classed as affordable.

Vehicular access to the estate would be via an existing junction off Scotia Road, which currently provides access to Asda's car park and loading bay. The junction is set to be upgraded with a right turn island a new pedestrian crossing.

Traffic consultants acting on behalf of Asda say that HGVs reverse into the loading bay from the access road, and ask for further consideration should be given to the road safety implications.

The letter from the consultants states: "The proposed development will clearly introduce the potential for conflict between vehicles associated with the residential properties and care home – including refuse collection vehicles – and with construction vehicles, during this phase. The transport assessment fails to acknowledge this,simply stating that 'the access to the Asda supermarket will be retained in its current form'."

But highways officers say they are satisfied with the proposals from a road safety point of view, and that there will not be a 'severe ' impact on local roads.

Planning officers are recommending that the developer should make financial contributions in relation to highways, local healthcare, sport and leisure and biodiversity. The planning committee will consider the application when they meet at 10am on Wednesday.

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