Be part of shaping Stafford for the ‘next generation’: Residents invited to share opinions on borough’s future

By Livia Gregor 27th May 2026

Local News by Livia Gregor 1 hour ago

Local people and businesses are being invited to give their views on the main issues facing Stafford Borough.

By sharing their opinions, residents will be instrumental in creating a Local Plan which will lay out and regulate development across the borough.

The plan will cover the eight main issues currently impacting the area including how to meet housing and employment needs and how to mitigate climate change.

There will also be opportunities to discuss problems such as flooding, increased traffic or loss of wildlife.

Speaking at a meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday (21 May), Cllr 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.

""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."

The Government has set out reforms to ensure that Local Plans are developed swiftly, as a result plans must be prepared and adopted by the local authority within 30 months.

Stafford Borough Council has received around £110,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support technical studies, additional resources and engagement work.

An initial consultation is set to open on Monday 8 June and continue until 12 noon on Tuesday 28 July.

Cllr Reid added: "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.

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

"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."