Stoke-on-Trent City Council is consulting on the draft Packmoor masterplan which would see up to 1,224 homes built on greenfield land
Packmoor residents fighting the village masterplan staged a protest outside the Civic Centre in Stoke
Residents fighting plans to build hundreds of homes on greenfield land have accused their council of ignoring them. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is carrying out a consultation on the draft Packmoor masterplan, which includes proposals to build up to 1,224 homes in council-owned fields outside the village.
But residents opposed to the masterplan say that council leaders have not properly engaged with them or explained why the masterplan is needed. Around 20 protesters gathered outside the Civic Centre in Stoke to make their point to the council.
They also delivered a petition signed by 108 people calling on Stoke-on-Trent North MP and city councillor David Williams to come to a public meeting on the subject. Council leaders have previously said that the masterplan will deliver much-needed new housing in the area while leading to infrastructure improvements.
But opponents say the plans will mean the loss of valuable green space and put further pressure on local roads.
Packmoor resident Margaret Lancaster, who was among those who took part in the protest, says the council should listen to what residents are telling them.
She said: “Right from the start we feel like we’ve been ignored. They didn’t properly advertise the initial consultation – I only found out by chance that it was happening. Older people who aren’t on social media wouldn’t have known about it.
“It just doesn’t seem like this is democracy. Most people in Packmoor are in favour of the option of doing nothing, but the council isn’t listening. I’m 71 and my husband is 73 – we shouldn’t have to come out and protest like this to have our voices heard, but that is what we will do. The council doesn’t even know if they can build on this land. They should have looked into that first before spending taxpayers’ money on these plans.”
Donna Nash, another Packmoor resident, added: “The consultations just seem to be about ticking a box, they’re not listening to what residents are telling them. But we’re not going to give up.”
The draft masterplan sets out five different options, four of which would involve the development of varying amounts of land, delivering between 760 and 1,224 homes. A fifth option would involve ‘doing nothing’.
The masterplan also proposes infrastructure improvements such as a new road linking Turnhurst Road and Outclough Road and better access to green spaces. Council leaders say these proposals address concerns previously raised by residents, showing that the authority is listening. But the protesters believe building hundreds of new homes will only worsen the local infrastructure issues.
Packmoor resident Philip Hardaker said: “The infrastructure in the area is struggling as it is. If they build 1,200 homes here that could mean another 2,400 cars on local roads.
“There’s so much wildlife on this land as well, like birds of prey. I had a whole group of goldfinches in my garden the other day. If they develop the land we could lose all of that.”
Councillor David Mountford, who represents Great Chell and Packmoor, is backing the residents in their fight against the masterplan.
He said: “Residents just feel like they’re being ignored. What we’re doing today is encouraging our MP to come and speak to residents and say which of the five options he supports, and explain why.
“I’ve knocked on literally hundreds of doors and I’ve not met one person who is in favour of development, so that seems to be where residents stand. So we want our MP and cabinet members to engage with the residents and explain where they stand. Being a Stokie is about standing up for what you believe in.”
In response to the protest, Mr Williams said he believed any development in Packmoor must include ‘real protections’ for local residents, but insisted more homes are needed in Stoke-on-Trent.
He said: “The council is now undertaking a master planning process. That is the right step to protect the local area from unplanned development. But I have been clear it must lead to the right outcome.
“I will not support any development that does not include real protections for the existing community: significant, accessible green space; proper buffer zones so communities are not swallowed up; and the infrastructure needed so roads and services do not grind to a halt. I also expect genuine engagement, with residents involved early and meaningfully – not consulted after decisions are already made.
“At the same time, we cannot ignore the reality facing local families. With more than 3,000 people on the housing waiting list, simply saying “no” is not a serious option. My focus is simple: homes for local people, delivered in a way that protects existing communities and improves the area.”
The city council has been approached for comment. The consultation on the Packmoor masterplan runs until Tuesday 5 May. To have your say, click here.
Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free