Forward Planning Team

Forward Planning

The consultation period for the 'Delivering the Plan for Stafford Borough - issues & options' document which sets out where future development could go has now closed. Please click here for further information.

The Forward Planning section is responsible for Planning Policy in the borough. It provides policies to guide future development. Forward Planning is also responsible for other measures to protect and improve the environment within Stafford Borough in line with the Council's corporate aims and objectives.

Stafford Borough Adopted Local Plan - The current adopted development plan for Stafford Borough contains policies directing development proposals and promoting appropriate land-use. The Local Plan as part of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 was saved in its entirety until 27th September 2007. The Secretary of State made the decision on what policies should be saved beyond this date. You can find further details on what policies are saved by viewing a copy of the direction

Stafford Borough Local Development Framework - The Local Development Framework will eventually replace and update policies and proposals within the adopted Local Plan in a series of local development documents, rather than just one.

Supplementary Planning Guidance - Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) accompanies the policies within the adopted Local Plan and provides some policy areas in greater detail. There is no commitment currently to carry out any SPDs.

West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and the Stoke and Staffordshire Structure Plan - The RSS and the currently adopted Structure Plan gives the context for emerging policies within the Stafford Borough LDF. The Structure Plan also include policies on Minerals and Waste.

Trees (Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Trees in Conservation Areas), High Hedges and Hedgerow removal - The Tree team provides advice and guidance to private owners of trees that are covered by conservation areas or Tree Preservation Orders, as well as providing advice to Development Control when protected trees are affected by development proposals.

Conservation - The Conservation team provide advice and guidance to owners whose buildings are listed or covered by conservation areas. Advice is also provided to Development Control on matters affecting the historic environment.

Other Useful Information

Contacts - Contact information for individual members of the Forward Planning team (telephone/e-mail).

Useful links - Provides links to other bodies and plans that are affiliated with the work carried out by the Forward Planning section.

Planning & Citizenship in Schools - Information resource for schoolteachers on the relationships between the planning function and local communities. The material is suitable for students at Key Stage 3 level.

Contaminated Land - Link to our Environmental Health section.

Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - The Cannock Chase AONB covers four districts within the county of Staffordshire, including Lichfield District Council, Cannock Chase District Council, South Staffordshire District Council, as well as Stafford Borough.

Flood Risk Please see also the Environment Agency.