Government accused of 'abolishing' Green Belt as new homes approved

Planners say site is defined as grey belt

- Phil Corrigan

COUNCILLORS have backed controversial plans to build up to nine homes on Green Belt land - claiming they have been 'hobbled' by Government policy.

Planning committee members at Newcastle Borough Council granted 'permission in principle' for the development of six to nine houses on farmland off Pepper Street in Keele - a more detailed application will need to be approved before the scheme can go ahead.

Objectors, including Keele Parish Council, raised concerns over the loss of Green Belt land and the presence of a railway tunnel beneath the site, and also questioned the need for more housing in the area.

But planning officers agreed with the applicants' argument that the site should be considered 'grey belt, and recommended the plans for approval.