BRINDLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2026
AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
MOUNT ROAD, ETCHING HILL

PRESENT:

Parish Councillors: D. Cotton (Chairman)
A. Pearson (Vice Chairman)
P. Adams
M. Sutherland
R. Turville
Mrs M.A. Turville
Mrs S. Pearson

IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs T. Williams (Parish Clerk)

1. APOLOGIES
There were no apologies.

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
To declare interests for this meeting:
None

3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No members of the public were present.

4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Resolved: The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 27 January 2026 were approved as a correct record.

5. PLANNING OBSERVATIONS MADE BY THE PARISH COUNCIL SINCE THE LAST MEETING
Application Number: CH/25/058
Address: Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre, Walkers Rise, Hednesford
Development: Prior notification for removal of 17.5m monopole and headframe, 3No. antennas, 1No. 300mm dish, and replacement with 20m monopole and headframe (galvanised grey steel), 6No. antennas (RAL7035 grey), 3No. 300mm dish (RAL7035 grey) and ancillary development

Observations: The Parish Council has no objections to the development proposal.

6. NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Application Number: CH/25/0301 (amendments)
Address: Land at Rugeley Power Station, Armitage Road, Rugeley, WS15 1PL
Development: Approval of reserved matters (layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) for the erection of 547 dwellings (open market and affordable) comprising a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bed units, alongside with associated infrastructure, landscaping and open space, pursuant to outline consents 19/00753/OUTMEI (LDC) and CH/19/201 (CCDC) – AMENDED PLANS/ADDITIONAL INFO.

Observations: Brindley Heath Parish Council notes the submission of the amended plans and appreciates the opportunity to review the updated documentation.

At this stage, the Parish Council has no additional observations beyond those previously submitted.

Application Number: CH/25/0354 (amendments)
Address: Land at Rugeley Power Station, Armitage Road, Rugeley, WS15 1PL
Development: Non material amendment of outline planning application CH/19/201 to allow for amendments to approved parameter plans to allow for rationalisation of attenuation ponds and locations, including the introduction of a pond on part of the industrial land, incorporation of 2 additional “existing” ponds, relocation of the LEAP in phase 1, identification of the model railway, and the removal of the solar farm – AMENDED PLANS RECEIVED.

Observations: Brindley Heath Parish Council notes the submission of the amended plans and has no objections and no further comments to add.

Application Number: CH/25/0271 (planning appeal)
Address: 147 Rugeley Road, Hazelslade, Rugeley
Development: Application for permission in principle for the erection of 1 or 2 detached dwellings

Observations: At the time of the original application, the Parish Council raised no objection. However, having carefully reviewed the grounds for refusal issued by Cannock Chase Council, the Parish Council wishes to revise its position and submit the following comments in support of the Local Planning Authority’s decision to refuse planning permission.

The Parish Council concurs with the concerns raised and considers that the proposed development would represent an inappropriate and harmful form of development for the site and its surroundings for the following reasons:

Character, Scale and Design
The Parish Council agrees that the proposed development, by reason of its scale, massing, and three-storey form, would appear overly dominant and incongruous within the established street scene. Rugeley Road in this location is characterised predominantly by bungalow-style properties, and the introduction of two tall, narrow dwellings would fail to respect the prevailing pattern of development. The subdivision of the plot into two constrained parcels would further exacerbate the cramped and uncharacteristic appearance of the scheme.

Impact on the Cannock Chase National Landscape
The site occupies a prominent and elevated position within the Cannock Chase National Landscape. The Parish Council shares the view that the increased scale of built form, together with the extent of associated hardstanding, would result in a visually intrusive form of development that would harm the character and appearance of this nationally important landscape.

Residential Amenity
The Parish Council notes the potential for significant adverse impacts on neighbouring properties, particularly Nos. 145 and 149 Rugeley Road. The scale and proximity of the proposed annex structures, boundary treatments, and elevated features would appear overbearing and detrimental to neighbouring residents’ outlook, privacy, and enjoyment of their amenity space.

Highway Safety
The Parish Council supports the Local Planning Authority’s concern that insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate safe and suitable access. In particular, the absence of clarity regarding visibility splays, gradients, and surface materials prevents a proper assessment of highway safety impacts along Rugeley Road.

Ecology
The Parish Council notes the absence of a Preliminary Roost Assessment and agrees that, without appropriate ecological survey information, it cannot be concluded that the proposal would avoid harm to protected species, including bats.
Trees and Vegetation
The Parish Council also shares concern regarding the lack of sufficient information relating to the protection of existing vegetation and the absence of meaningful replacement planting, which is contrary to the submitted arboricultural information and relevant planning policy.

Conclusion
In light of the above considerations, Brindley Heath Parish Council supports the decision of Cannock Chase Council to refuse planning permission and respectfully requests that the appeal be dismissed.

Application Number: CH/26/079
Address: High Oak Cottage, Penkridge Bank Road, Rugeley
Development: Single storey rear extension and erection of porch following removal of existing balconies and alterations to elevations

Observations:

Brindley Heath Parish Council has considered the above planning application and raises no objections in principle to the proposed development.

The parish council notes that the application relates to alterations and extensions to an existing residential property, including the removal of balconies and the addition of a single storey rear extension and porch. The proposal appears to be of a scale and nature that is generally in keeping with the host dwelling.

However, the Parish Council would respectfully request that Cannock Chase Council give due consideration to the following points:

Design of materials: That the external materials and finishes are sympathetic to the existing dwelling and surrounding area to maintain the character of the locality.

Impact on neighbouring properties: That any potential effects on neighbourhood amenity including overlooking, loss of light, overbearing impact, are carefully addressed.

Highway and access considerations: That the development does not adversely affect access, parking provision or highways safety along Penkridge Bank Road.

Environmental considerations: Given the property’s proximity to Cannock Chase, consideration should be given to ensuring there are no adverse impacts on the surrounding landscape or ecology.

7. PLANNING DECISIONS MADE BY THE COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL

No planning decisions had been received.

8. UPDATES ON OTHER PLANNING MATTERS
There were no updates on planning matters on this occasion.

Councillor Sutherland made reference to an application in Post Office Lane where two properties were approved for two properties making the properties built so tightly.

Councillor Adams made reference to the use of land on Stafford Brook Road

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Planning Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

The meeting will be held at the White House, Marquis Drive, Brindley Heath.

Chairman…………………………………………..

Date……………………………………………………