Community consultation sessions for Moorlands Local Plan

Drop-in sessions where people can speak to Council officers about the proposals in the Local Plan for Staffordshire Moorlands are taking place throughout the district from this week.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is currently consulting residents and businesses on the Preferred Options Local Plan - the key planning document which will shape housing and employment development in the district up to 2031.

As part of the consultation drop-in sessions are taking place to offer people the opportunity to find out more about what's proposed and share their views with officers. The sessions are all open from 5pm to 8pm at the following locations:

• Biddulph Town Hall on Wednesday 9 August
• Leek Moorlands House on Wednesday 16 August
• Werrington Methodist Church on Thursday 24 August
• Blythe Bridge Village Hall on Wednesday 30 August
• Cheadle Guild Hall on Thursday 7 September

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the Council, said: "We know our local communities are extremely interested in helping to shape development in the Moorlands in the coming years which is why we're once again asking people to tell us what they think about the proposals set out in the latest version of the Local Plan.

"All the documents are available online and at Council offices and libraries but we also know that people value the opportunity to speak to those officers who know the proposed sites and can explain what the proposals mean in more detail.

"That's why we are holding these drop-in sessions and I would encourage residents and businesses to come along and talk to us. All of these events are open to everyone - you don't have to wait for the one in your area - and we look forward to seeing you."

The documents are available online and copies can also be viewed at Council one-stop-shops in Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek and at all libraries throughout the district.

The consultation is open until 5pm on Friday 22 September. The easiest way to make comments is via the website. Public IT equipment is available in the reception area at Moorlands House in Leek for anyone who doesn't have access to the internet.

Comments can also be made by email to forward.plans@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk or by completing a questionnaire and posting it to: Freepost RRLJ-XCTC-JBZK, Regeneration Manager, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Moorlands House, Stockwell Street, Leek, ST13 6HQ (no stamp required).