Village call for housing plan debate

FAMILIES will have the chance to tell university bosses what they think of proposals to build 200 homes and retirement flats.

Keele University has unveiled plans to demolish its student halls within the Keele village, and sell off the land.

The Hawthorns complex covers about 12 acres and caters for 651 students, with a mixture of 1960s halls, houses and a general convenience store, the last remaining shop in the village.

Part of the complex is in a conservation area and includes several old buildings, a green and some mature trees, which would be kept.

If the university does sell off the site for housing, it could change the face of the village forever, with up to 200 homes built – many earmarked for retirement accommodation.

The university has held one public consultation to introduce the plans to its neighbours. Now residents want another meeting to properly air their views.

Councillor Wenslie Naylon, who represents Keele on Newcastle Borough Council, is attempting to organise a meeting between residents and university representatives on Monday.

She said: "Some people think it is good, because the site is very tatty. But then it is a big change for the village and we wouldn't want to be crammed in. Big discussions are needed."

Keele resident Jim Golden, aged 64, is concerned about the increase in traffic and the disruption to the village during the five years it is likely to take to complete. Mr Golden, who lives adjacent to The Hawthorns, said: "We might have to think about moving to Spain if this goes ahead.

"Myself and other people moved to Keele because it is a quiet village. The idea of them building opposite my bungalow, and taking several years to do, is horrendous."

Darren Casey, aged 43, who runs the Sneyd Arms with his partner Sandra Gates, said: "It will bring new people into the village, which is good. But there will be more traffic and we will have a few years of disruption while the work is done."

University registrar Simon Morris said the university would be happy to send representatives to any residents' meeting.

He said: "The plans are for about 200 units, potentially. About 80 would be houses and the rest would be part of the retirement development. We feel we have had a reasonably good response. People worry about traffic. But there are issues regarding traffic with our current role in the village."