Regeneration specialist St Modwen Properties has secured outline planning permission for a residential development in Staffordshire.

The proposals to create up to 20 new houses in Little Haywood were given the go-ahead by Stafford Borough Council's planning committee following a deferral on the decision two weeks ago, giving committee members the opportunity to visit the site.

The plans comprise a range of family homes on a two-acre site off Coley Lane, to the north of the village.

Mike Timmins, senior planning surveyor at St Modwen, said: "We will now prepare a more detailed plan of our proposals for the site in the next few months before progressing with the development by the end of 2014.

"Our aim is to create a sustainable development in Little Haywood which is in keeping with local characteristics. The site benefits from easy access to existing community amenities, including a general store and public house, and is close to the main A51.

"A primary school, playgroup and a doctors' surgery are conveniently located in the nearby village of Colwich, with a full range of facilities in Great Haywood."