Residents and businesses can now share their views on the main issues facing Stafford Borough - and how a new plan could help address them.

A borough-wide consultation is running with residents, businesses and organisations encouraged to give their feedback and help develop a ‘New Local Plan 2025 to 2045’ for the area.

Having the Local Plan in place helps regulate development across the borough - and there is the opportunity to highlight issues that need to be addressed such as flooding, increased traffic or loss of wildlife.

Councillor Ant Reid, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said “The Local Plan is the key way we give our residents choice about development and preservation. Getting this done faster is vital and very welcome. The whole borough benefits from this.

“A robust Local Plan helps regulate where things can, and cannot, be built across our borough, can prevent inappropriate development, and help protect the environment, countryside and habitats.

The initial consultation will run until 12 noon on Tuesday 28 July and you can take part via New Local Plan 2025 to 2045 | Stafford Borough Council.

The government set out reforms to speed up the plan making process - with a requirement for local authorities to prepare and adopt the plan within 30 months. The council received around £110,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support technical studies, additional resources and engagement work.

Councillor Reid continued: “I want our residents to think about where the next generation will live, learn, work and spend leisure time, while ensuring our plans preserve our natural and built heritage. The work we are doing could shape our borough for the next 20 years and beyond. I want people to love where they live.

“We must find the right balance that ensures we have strong economic growth while maintaining what our communities value most.”  

He added: “From here on everything depends on residents, businesses and other groups - I’d ask everyone to take these consultations seriously and help us choose what goes where, when, and how.”

Further information at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/new-local-plan-2025-to-2045 or contact strategicplanningconsultations@staffordbc.gov.uk.

You will also be able to view the documents at libraries or the Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford. 

Press Release No 6302