A housing developer is expected to make a second attempt to build more than almost 400 homes in Stretton, just a year after an action group successfully fought against its plans.
Save Our Stretton (SOS) is preparing for another battle with Gladman Developments Ltd as the developer launches a public consultation informing residents of its latest plans to build 385 homes in Craythorne Road.
It comes four years after an almost identical application was first submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council.
It was later refused by the authority's planning committee and dismissed when developers appealed the decision.
The authority said the application was in the countryside contrary to planning policy and that the land was not identified for a housing development.
The action group decided against paying a barristers and chose to represent themselves during the inquiry.
Along with the 385 homes, of which a third of the total will be affordable housing, Gladman wants to include a playsite for children as well as two priority controlled junctions off Craythorne Road, with pedestrian access.
The housing developer also wants to provide a new primary school. Its previous application safeguarded 3.9 acres of land for the school. The latest plans have now increased this to another two acres of land - to 5.9 acres.
Gladman say the new application will seek to "address the significant existing need for new housing and a new primary school in the borough".
However, action group SOS says the borough council already has its five-year supply of land allocated for homes. The group also claim there are more suitable sites for housing.
Graham Lamb, a member of SOS, said: "I have only seen a proposed introductory leaflet and so none of the more detailed documents we will need to review properly when the application is validated by the council.
"I believe SOS will still be fighting this as with the local plan having a five-year supply, better sites are allocated and available to meet the defined housing demand, without resorting to destroying good agricultural land, overloading our services and causing gridlock in Stretton.
"Clearly Gladman, with this application and ones at Beamhill and Yoxall, feel that they should be driving housing policy in East Staffordshire."
The Burton Mail approached the housing developer for a comment but they said no-one was available.
In the consultation document the Gladman claimed its proposed development "should provide an opportunity to improve the range and quality of services that are available in Stretton".
It also addressed concerns surrounding the increase in traffic, stating: "Our specialist highways consultants will work with the local highways authority to ensure that the development can be accommodated, taking into account any proposed improvements.
"Access to the site is proposed off Craythorne Road via two access points.
"These access points are considered the safest and most appropriate locations to access the site and will be discussed with the local highways authority."
They also addressed the pressures on local amenities, such as libraries or doctors' surgeries saying it will make financial contributions towards these services.
An application is expected to be submitted in the next few months.
