Fears raised over quarry site housing

An outline planning application has been submitted to turn Tadgedale Quarry in Loggerheads, near Market Drayton, into a site of about 120 houses.

But at a public consultation, residents last night raised concerns about the infrastructure of the area and the potential impact the development could have.

John Howard, a resident of Price Close, said: "The sewage system can't cope as it is, and the town's surgery is already over-subscribed.

"But I can't see any reasons to stop the development apart from the infrastructure. That is the only real concern that I have, I'm not so worried about the actual houses."

Some other local people, who did not want to be named, also said that flooding was already a problem in the area which often made sewage problems even worse.

But according to Reza Jalali, consulting engineer for the plans, the sewage system has been thoroughly assessed.

He said: "We have consulted with Severn Trent and they have given us instructions and advice which we would implement if the planning went through.

"Residents should know that the sewage system will not be a problem, and Severn Trent have assessed the site to ensure it will be effective."

For most residents, building on the brownfield site on Mucklestone Road is a welcome alternative to the potential developments on surrounding green field areas, particularly as the site is shielded from view with trees. Morris Edwards, of Mucklestone Wood Lane, said:

"I support any development; I just wonder who would want to live out there in the middle of nowhere."

Submitting the plans, Renew Land Developments Limited has said the plans will help to ease the shortage of housing facing Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council.

Lee Dawkin, managing director, said: "By developing Tadgedale Quarry, we can provide approximately one third of the housing stock."