The funding, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will help the council develop a new Local Plan, covering where development can and cannot take place in Stafford, Eccleshall, Gnosall and other villages. It will pay for technical studies, extra resources, and community engagement work.
A Local Plan is a key planning document that helps prevent unsuitable development, protect the countryside, and make sure new homes are built in the right places with the right infrastructure in place first.
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages, said the borough needs more homes but stressed they must come with proper support for communities: "That means schools, GP surgeries, roads, and flood protection to serve the new estates."
The Government has set a 30-month deadline for councils without an up-to-date Local Plan to produce one. Leigh Ingham made the case directly to Housing Ministers for extra funding to help Stafford Borough meet that requirement.
Councillor Ant Reid, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning at Stafford Borough Council, said a public consultation on the new plan will be opening soon, and urged residents to take part: "We need to hear from residents, businesses, and organisations."
The plan will cover a wide range of issues affecting villages like Gnosall, including:
- Housing and employment land
- Climate change and flooding
- Traffic and transport
- Protection of wildlife and natural heritage
Source: leighingham.co.uk
