Express & Star

Long-term plan for new homes and economic growth finalised

Large housing developments and employment sites will be built in Stafford, Rugeley, Codsall and Lichfield after plans were approved.

Published

A long-term plan to coordinate future development and economic growth opportunities across Staffordshire has been approved by the county council’s cabinet.

Areas which will see larger scale homes development and employment site construction in the coming years include the Stafford Gateway and Burleyfields, Liberty Park in Lichfield, Rugeley power station and Codsall.

The county’s Strategic Infrastructure Plan (SIP) will support the construction of new homes and aim for these communities to have job opportunities, high quality transport, leisure facilities and digital connections. It will tie in with the county’s green agenda and the development of the Local Industrial Strategy.

The SIP will give evidence and provide a county-wide overview to inform policy makers, potential developers, investors, transport organisations and energy and waste companies.

The plan demonstrates the county council’s role as a strategic authority in coordinating future development and the infrastructure needed so that it can take place. It will also support funding bids to the Government and investors.

The SIP ties in with the local plans of all the county’s district and boroughs. It includes information about planned development in Staffordshire’s neighbouring border areas so that infrastructure can be put in place earlier on in the process and ensure the effective running of the county’s roads and community facilities.

Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader Mark Winnington said: “Housing development is an essential part of Staffordshire’s continued economic growth, ensuring we have thriving communities across our county. This development needs to be carefully planned and coordinated, considering neighbouring areas, transport infrastructure, community facilities and leisure provision.

“The Strategic Infrastructure Plan brings together the evidence needed for planners, investors, health and community providers and energy companies to promote the longer-term thinking necessary for future development. Crucially it also demonstrates to the Government and investors that we have a strategy in place to enable us to secure funding we will need to carry out our plans.

“This high-level plan for Staffordshire will stimulate better coordination to ensure new communities have excellent schools, healthcare, leisure and community facilities, in addition to protecting established town and village residential areas.”