Residents in Stafford are pushing back against new bungalows due to safety concerns and rising antisocial behavior in their neighborhood
Stafford: Residents are really concerned about their safety, and it’s affecting plans for new bungalows. The proposed site in Moss Pit already has eight bungalows for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.
Key Developments wanted to build two more bungalows by tearing down some garages. But neighbors raised alarms about increased antisocial behavior, like shouting and swearing. Many said they felt unsafe even in their own gardens.
In October 2023, Stafford Borough Council turned down the application. They worried that adding more bungalows would overcrowd the area and worsen the situation with parking and noise. A similar application was also rejected in June.
There were appeals for both decisions. The later application is still under review, but the appeal from October has been dismissed. Planning inspector Hannah Ellison looked into the situation and noted that noise and parking were big issues for the residents.
She visited the site but didn’t see any disturbances during her visit. However, she acknowledged that her visit was just a brief moment in time. Residents had shared many stories about disruptive behavior from current residents of the bungalows.
Ellison mentioned that while the care provider had plans to manage noise, there wasn’t enough evidence to show these measures were effective. The council had initially supported the bungalow plans, citing a need for more supported housing in Staffordshire.
Ellison recognized the potential benefits of the bungalows but ultimately decided that they would negatively impact the living conditions of nearby residents. So, she dismissed the appeal, emphasizing that the community’s concerns were valid.
It’s a tough situation for everyone involved, and the community is just trying to protect their homes and families.
