A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build new homes on farmland off White Hill in Kinver is to go before council planners next week.

Trebor Developments is seeking outline planning permission for its proposed development of up to 40 new homes on the site which sits beneath Kinver Edge.

The application looks set to be approved by South Staffordshire Council's planning committee despite a raft of objections to the scheme which locals fear could pave the way for further development of up to 144 new homes on neighbouring land.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson is among those who have raised concerns about the proposed development which he has said would have a "lasting impact on the village" if approved.

Councillor Lin Hingley has also expressed concerns about the proposal including its impact on Potters Cross and the potential impact on ecology.

In total 116 objections have been lodged including some from The National Trust, Peoples Trust for Endangered Species and Kinver Green Belt Action Group detailing worries about a loss of green belt land, the planning White Paper, flooding, the impact the development could have on surrounding roads especially the Potters Cross junction, loss of wildlife, and the impact the new homes would have on existing village facilities and the nearby historic site of Kinver Rock Houses.

The site, however, was designated for housing as part of the council's recently adopted Site Allocations Document and, with no objections from bodies including Natural England, Staffordshire County Council flood team, the county ecologist and arboricultural officer, highways and the county schools team, the plan is recommended for approval on completion of a satisfactory Section 106 agreement.

Trebor Developments say the scheme will contribute towards the need for new housing in the area and the development will integrate well with the village and respect key views towards Kinver Edge.

The application will go before South Staffordshire Council’s virtual planning committee on Tuesday January 26, from 6.30pm.