Concerned residents are stepping up their campaign to stop up to 500 houses progressing in the local plan.

The plan, if approved, will guide all development in the Stoke-on-Trent until 2040 and will see the construction of 18,528 new homes. 

Now campaigners are continuing to push and call for Trentham Golf Club to remove 'surplus' land from consideration.

Residents state that the development would cause irreversible harm to the natural environment, local heritage, infrastructure and community well-being.

A petition has already been submitted to the council which gained 1,434 signatures. Now a group called 'Save Trentham's Greenbelt – Stop The Build' has placed a banner opposite the club as they state many members are not aware of the plans.

A spokesperson for the community group said: "We've already submitted a petition of 1,500 signatures into the council objecting to any further housing development in Trentham, particularly this one along the A34.

"What we want is Trentham Golf Club to withdraw their land and the proposal for 500 houses from the Draft Local plan.

"This area is not only designated as greenbelt but also is a conservation and heritage area and should not be sacrificed just to generate income for Trentham Golf Club."

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Many residents argue more development in Trentham would add pressure on the already congested road network.

Additionally that development on the greenbelt land would impact the setting of the conservation area and overlook the Duke of Sutherland properties.

Councillor Alec Sandiford, who represents nearby Fulford on Stafford Borough Council said: "If you look at the Stoke local plan it just seems that areas that have had their fair share of housing over the years seem to be put on more than other areas that have been completely left out.

"I think the broader point is why don't they have a brownfield first policy."

Speaking on behalf of himself and Councillor Maxine Clark, Councillor Dan Jellyman said that the both Trentham councillors had reached out to the club to explain why the land was not needed in the local plan.

He said: "We fully back the residents' campaign to get Trentham Golf Club to take the land out of the local plan process.

"It is in the golf club's gift to take the land out and if they're serious about being a club that listens to the community which they are a part of, they'll do that."

In a statement Trentham Golf Club say no decisions have been made and they are engaging constructively with local residents and stakeholders.

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A spokesperson for Trentham Golf Club said: "We recognise that there will be a wide range of views about the suitability of sites for potential development, and we are aware that some local residents have expressed opposition to the inclusion of our surplus land.

"The Local Plan process is being led by the Council, and no decisions have been made at this stage. 

"We will continue to engage constructively with the process, listening carefully to the views of local residents and other stakeholders.

"Any future considerations would take account of environmental, community and planning factors, alongside feedback from the local community."