A FINAL opportunity for residents to have their say on the blueprint for the future of Stafford Borough is under way.
Before the plan is presented to a Government inspector the council must consult to ensure the plan is based on sound evidence and whether it meets housing and employment land needs.
Later this year the inspector will hold public meetings about the plan.
Proposals include 500 homes to be built every year through to 2031 and eight hectares of new employment land per year. Local communities will also be able to identify new sites for development.
When a final draft of the plan was unveiled in September 2012 it caused a storm of protest in Stone over proposals to consider mixed use development at Westbridge Park.
The borough council is now launching a separate consultation on future plans for the park, and the future of Stone’s leisure facilities.
Consultations on the new local plan began in 2008 and since then almost 5,000 comments have been received. Around 3,000 people attended roadshows
in towns and villages. Councillor Frances Beatty, cabinet
member for planning and regeneration, said: “This plan is extremely important because it allows us to shape the future growth of Stafford Borough.
“I am grateful to all those residents, organisations, parish councils and others who have provided comments.
“We now have to ensure the document has a sound evidence base before it goes before the inspector.”
All comments for the latest consultation must be received by 12pm, February 28. For additional information visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/publication, or call the Forward Planning team on 01785 619000.
