Major infrastructure projects, new local planning decisions, and sector-wide updates were all on the table at this week’s Planning & Infrastructure Forum.
Our Planning & Infrastructure forum is one of ten Chamber policy forums and along with the other nine, serves a role in bringing our members together, to help shape and influence our policy and lobbying work.
The forum has a remit of exchanging information on planning policy, construction and regeneration. Recent topics covered include the developing Local Plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in planning law.
Staffordshire continues to see significant developments that could influence economic growth, transport connectivity and future land use across the county.
We received an update from Logistics Capital Partners about the ongoing development of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) site. WMI is located at Four Ashes near Junction 12 of the M6 and is one of the UK’s largest strategic rail freight infrastructure projects.
Development of the site has continued to progress in phases. Once completed, West Midlands Interchange will provide up to 8 million sq ft of logistics and advanced manufacturing space, alongside a major rail freight interchange connected to the West Coast Main Line.
Later this year, Carlsberg Britvic will be moving onto the WMI site, having invested in a new depot that is expected to form a key part of its future logistics network.
The wider WMI development is expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen the region’s role within the national freight and distribution network. The addition of a rail freight interchange will help to shift freight from road to rail, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the country’s Net Zero aspirations.
We also received an update from Stafford Borough Council, who have launched a Scoping and Participation consultation on its new Local Plan 2025-2045. The document will ultimately help to shape where employment land, infrastructure, environmental protection and homes will be developed across the Borough during the next two decades.
This initial Scoping and Participation consultation runs until Tuesday 28th July and is seeking views on key issues such as securing economic prosperity, transport/connectivity and nature recovery/biodiversity.
Stafford Borough Council aims to adopt its new Local Plan 2025-2045, by April 2029 and residents, businesses and stakeholders from across the Borough, are all urged to share their initial thoughts in this Scoping and Participation consultation. Please click below to share your views before the consultation closes on 28.7.2026.:
Scoping the Issues and Early Participation (pdf 1.9mb)
Communication and Engagement Strategy (pdf 2mb)
Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report (pdf 2.2mb)
Our third speakers gave us an update on the re-launch of Construction Staffordshire Excellence (CSE). Hannah Kennedy of Myers & Co Solicitors and Martin Barker of Qualsurv told us that CSE brings together clients, contractors, consultants, suppliers, academia and public bodies to share best practice and drive continuous improvement across the built environment.
This drive for continuous improvement in the built environment is crucial for a sector which is being tasked with meeting challenging targets for the build of new homes.
Through a programme of regular events, technical presentations, site visits and networking opportunities, CSE will provide a platform for organisations and individuals to learn from each other, develop new relationships and help shape the future of construction in our region.
Watch this space for details of an exciting launch event which will take place on Wednesday 30th September!
Our Planning & Infrastructure forum meets on a quarterly basis and if you would like to get involved, please send me an e-mail:
