Development of the Plan for Stafford Borough

The Plan for Stafford Borough has been produced in several stages with on-going consultation and sustainability appraisal at each stage.

Development Strategy and Principles for Settlement Development

In 2008 these initial stages identified different scenarios for development, ranging from all development at Stafford, to equal dispersal across a range of settlements. It also established the three key categories of sustainable settlements.

Issues and Options

In 2009 this stage established a vision, objectives and proposed development locations. At the time the Regional Spatial Strategy was being considered and there was a chance the housing allocations for Stafford Borough could increase.

Draft Core Policies

In 2010 this stage set out a range of proposed planning policies, some site specific and some topic based.

Local Choices

In May 2010, the Government signalled its intention to abolish the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. As a result of this significant policy change, the Council consulted on the approach to be taken.

Draft Publication and Strategic Policy Choices

In 2011/2012 these stages set out the final wording of proposed policies. Following the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework, slight changes were made to the Plan for Stafford Borough to inform conformity with the new national requirements. These were consulted on in summer 2013.

Submission

In August 2013 the Council submitted the Plan for Stafford Borough to the Secretary of State for Independent Examination.

Main Modifications

Following the hearing sessions, and the receipt of the Inspectors Recommendations for Further Main Modifications the Council produced and consulted on a schedule of Main Modifications.

Adoption

The Council received the Inspector's Final Report on the 11 June 2013, and Plan for Stafford Borough was adopted by the Council on the 19 June 2014.

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