PLANS to demolish old buildings to make way for hundreds of new homes have won the backing of councillors.

Hackberry Developments put forward the proposals for the homes in Yarnfield, near Stone, at the end of last year.

The application for outline planning permission involves knocking down a number of semi-derelict buildings, below, on the Yarnfield Park site, which is occupied by a British Telecom training college.

Up to 350 homes would be built in their place.

And work on the site would also include updating a conference centre, creating new sports facilities and improving parking.

A number of concerns were raised during consultation on the plans, but members of Stafford Borough Council's development control committee yesterday gave the green light to developers.

The meeting heard from the headteacher of nearby Springfields First School, who said there would not be enough places at the school for children in the new homes.

Tracey Jackson said: "We have got small numbers in some year groups now, perhaps four or five spare places, but in the foreseeable future, we will be full in every year."

Ward councillor James Highfield said he would like to see some improvements made to the junction of Yarnfield Lane and the A34.

He said: "With the additional volume of traffic, it is asking for trouble."

Committee members echoed their concerns and raised other issues such as sewerage and parking.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant and land-owning company, Malcolm Payne said the proposal was a high-quality scheme, which would provide a range of housing.

He said: "A major benefit will be the removal of large areas of eyesore buildings.

"The existing conference and leisure facilities are regarded as very important. These will be improved to cater for a wider range of events and visitors.

"The disused sports fields will be restored and the pavilion and changing rooms rebuilt."

Councillor John Russell put forward a proposal to pass the plans. He said: "It is a site that desperately needs attention and turning to better use."

Councillor Charles Simpson said: "This is only an outline application and if we don't like the play areas and all the other things, then we can attack these issues at that stage."

Members of the committee voted to approve the development subject to a number of conditions.

The Secretary of State will have to be consulted before final approval is given, because the development involves the greenbelt.