This page attempts to provide a portal to local, regional and national consultations that are important to sustainable development and the resultant new legislation. It also includes responses, guidance notes and other relevant links.
Title: Local Development framework Consultation
Consultation period: Ongoing
From: Stafford Borough Council
Link: Local Development Framework (SBC)
Summary: The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced a new type of plan called a Local Development Framework. This is made up of a series of documents called Local Development Documents (LDDs). LDDs will provide the planning framework for the consideration of planning applications by the Borough Council. They replace the previous system of plan making, which comprised Local Plans and Structure Plans.
Following the results of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document Examination process all work on the Local Development Framework has been suspended. In due course the Council will be preparing a revised Local Development Scheme.
Link: Core Strategy Page (SBC)
Title: A Proposed Sustainable Community Plan 2006 - 2020 for Stafford Borough
Consultation period: Ongoing
From: Stafford Partnership/ Stafford Borough Council
Link: Sustainable Community Plan Page
Summary: The Stafford Borough Partnership comprising over 300 key local organisations from the public, private, voluntary, community and environmental sectors have agreed a proposed Sustainable Community Plan for the period 2006 - 2020. The Partnership is in the process of identifying projects to be included within the overall Sustainable Community Plan and is awaiting the outcome of the Local Area Agreement before finalising this part of the Plan. Other projects will be included which contribute towards the well-being of the area. It is anticipated that the Action Plan will be completed for the 1 April 2007 and then will be submitted to Stafford Borough Council for approval.
Title: West Midlands Economic Strategy Consultation Draft
Consultation period: CLOSED (May 2007 to 31 July 2007 (Final Phase))
From: Advantage West Midlands/ West Midlands Regional Assembly
Link: Consultation Document (AWM) 
Summary: The West Midlands Economic Strategy (WMES) sets out what the West Midlands region needs to do to improve its economic performance. This is by both building on our region's strengths and addressing the market failures that hold our economy back. The updated West Midlands Economic Strategy, due to be published in 2007, will be the first time we look beyond the original milestone of 2010. The Strategy will once again set out the agreed actions required for the region to be recognised as world class by 2010. However, it will also look forward to 2020 and establish what more our region needs to do to continue to improve its economic performance. It will also be the first review to be carried out after the influential Stern Review.
Title: The Climate Change Act
Passed: 26 November 2008
From: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Link: Documentations (Defra)
Summary: The UK has passed legislation which introduces the world's first long term legally binding framework to tackle the dangers of climate change. Two key aims underpin the Act:
Title: Guidance for Public Authorities on Implementing the Biodiversity Duty
Published: 21 May
From: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Audience: Public Authorities
Link: Guidance Notes (DEFRA) pdf
Summary: The aim of the biodiversity duty is to raise the profile of biodiversity in England and Wales, eventually to a point where biodiversity issues become second nature to everyone making decisions in the public sector. All public authorities are affected, including over 900 public bodies local authorities, fire, police and health bodies, museums and transport authorities. The guidance is intended to assist public authorities to implement the biodiversity duty. The two documents contain general guidance for public authorities and more specific guidance for local authorities.
