Council dispute as borough targeted by 'massive tide of opportunistic builders'

Pair clash over planning blueprint while towns face bids for hundreds of homes

- Kerry Ashdown

COUMMUNITY leaders have raised their concerns over a 'massive tide of opportunist developers' - as plans for hundreds of homes have been unveiled.

Eccleshall is facing 10 potential housing development sites, which residents fear could almost double the size of the town, while more than 500 new homes are earmarked for the western edge of Stone.

The latest version of Stafford Borough Council 's Local Plan had been expected to be formally adopted last year under a timetable set by the former Conservative administration.

But this year it was announced that a fresh process would begin to prepare a new plan, following major changes including a massive increase in new housing targets from the Government.

In recent months the council's current administration a mix of Labour, Green Party and Stafford Borough Independents - has come under fire from the Conservative opposition for delays in bringing forward the latest Local Plan.