The Newcastle-under-Lyme Council Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on 9 September 2025 to discuss a range of planning applications, including major developments for residential housing and minor developments such as a tractor storage building and car park redesign. Councillors were also expected to receive an update on enforcement action at a site in Betley.

Here's a breakdown of the key items on the agenda:

Land at Moss Lane, Madeley

A major planning application for residential development on land at Moss Lane, Madeley was up for discussion. Keepmoat Homes had applied for full planning permission to build 37 dwellings, along with associated access, open space, a drainage basin and a pumping station.

The planning officer's report noted that the site is grazing land outside the village envelope, within an Area of Landscape Enhancement. While outline planning permission for 42 dwellings had been granted in 2015, a subsequent reserved matters application was refused in 2018, and the outline permission has since lapsed.

The report stated that a key consideration was balancing the benefits of the proposal against the impact on the character and appearance of the area, the loss of trees, and flood risk and drainage. A supplementary report was also prepared, as the Lead Local Flood Authority had raised concerns about the drainage strategy. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be deferred.

Former Site of the Zanzibar, Marsh Parade, Newcastle

A major application from Durata Developments Ltd for the former Zanzibar nightclub site on Marsh Parade, Newcastle was also scheduled to be discussed. The application sought full planning permission for the erection of 63 apartments, landscaping, access and parking. The apartments were intended to be 100% affordable rent.

The planning officer's report noted that the site falls within the Live-Work Office Quarter as defined in the Newcastle Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document. Key issues included the principle of residential development, the impact on the character of the conservation area and nearby listed buildings, the design of the development, highway safety, and residential amenity. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be permitted.

Land Adjacent Fairgreen Road, Baldwins Gate

Hencie Homes Ltd had applied for outline planning permission for a residential development of up to 9 serviced plots for self-build and custom housebuilding on land adjacent to Fairgreen Road, Baldwins Gate. The planning officer's report stated that the site is located outside the village envelope, within the open countryside and an Area of Landscape Restoration.

The report noted that the application had been called in to committee due to concerns about the potential impact on the nearby wetland of Chorlton Moss. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be permitted.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Depot, Knutton Lane

An application from Newcastle Borough Council for permission to erect a new tractor storage building, replace a dry mixed recycling enclosure, alter the existing office building and change the main reception entrance and external pedestrian entrance at the Borough Council Depot on Knutton Lane was scheduled for discussion.

The planning officer's report stated that the site lies within the Urban Area of Newcastle. The main issues for consideration were the design and visual impact, residential amenity, and highway safety. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be permitted.

Car Park, Meadows Road, Kidsgrove

The committee was also scheduled to discuss an application from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for the redesign of the existing public car park off Meadows Road, Kidsgrove and erection of new enterprise units.

The planning officer's report noted that planning permission was granted last year for the erection of a community hub building, new garage with first floor mezzanine and reconfiguration of existing car parking on the site. The key issues in the determination of the application were the principle of the proposed development, the design and massing, impact on amenity, highway safety and parking facilities, and biodiversity net gain. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be permitted.

Land North of Mucklestone Wood Lane, Loggerheads

Mr Chris Butters had applied for outline permission for the erection of a single self-build property on land north of Mucklestone Wood Lane, Loggerheads. The planning officer's report stated that the application site is located within the open countryside and falls within a Landscape Maintenance Area.

The report noted that the application had been called in to committee on the grounds that the site falls outside the village envelope of Loggerheads and is not in accordance with the Neighbourhood Plan, in addition to highways safety grounds and the impact on the character of the area. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be permitted.

35 Clayton Road, Newcastle under Lyme

An application for the redevelopment of 35 Clayton Road, Newcastle to provide a pair of 3-bedroom, 2.5 storey, semi-detached houses was also scheduled to be discussed.

The planning officer's report noted that the application had been called in to committee due to concerns regarding access and car parking. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be permitted.

Land West and East of Hazeley Paddocks, Keele Road, Keele

S. Gibson / G. Benson-Lees had submitted two applications for permission in principle for residential development on land either side of Hazeley Paddocks, Keele Road, Keele. The first, 25/00574/PIP, was for between 2 and 6 dwellings on land west of Hazeley Paddocks, while the second, 25/00575/PIP, was for 1 to 2 dwellings on land east of Hazeley Paddocks.

The planning officer's report stated that the site lies outside a defined settlement boundary and is situated in the North Staffordshire Green Belt. The application had been called in to committee on the grounds that it comprises inappropriate development in the green belt. The planning officer's report recommended that both applications be permitted.

Land at Doddlespool, Betley

Finally, the committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of works being undertaken at land at Doddlespool, Betley following the planning application for the retention and completion of a partially constructed agricultural track.