Plans for up to 55 homes on the edge of a village would not “undermine” the Moorlands’ “wider” green belt area, a planning application has said.
Landowner Debbie Evans has submitted an outline application for the development off Breach Road in Brown Edge. The 3.21 hectare (7.93 acre) site comprises open grassland, currently in agricultural use, and abuts the village’s eastern boundary.
The development would be made up of two-, three- and four-bedroom terraces, semi-detached and detached properties “pepper-potted” throughout the site, as well as a small number of single bedroomed flats.
Public open space would be included featuring a pond and a play area for toddlers and infants.
While the application site is located within the green belt, a design and access statement with the application said: “The development does not compromise the integrity of the wider green belt parcel; there is no opportunity for unrestricted sprawl due to the site boundaries, and the development will be experienced visually as part of the existing settlement edge, having no impact on the clearly legible gap between Stoke-on-Trent and Leek, or even Baddeley Edge and Leek.”
The statement added: “The conclusion is reached that the site is not previously developed but does not contribute strongly to the relevant green belt purposes and therefore meets the definition of grey belt in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.”
The statement said the site was “sustainably located” and would “meet an unmet need” for housing.” The new main spine road through the development would provide direct access to the applicant’s existing field and buildings.
The application reference on the district council’s planning portal is SMD/2026/0201. The public consultation period ends on Wednesday, 10th June (2026).
