This week in Staffordshire:

Quarry Expansion Sparks Outcry: Residents Fear Noise and Traffic Chaos

A proposal to significantly increase heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements at Saredon Hill Quarry has ignited strong opposition from local residents and parish councillors. The Planning Committee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, to consider an application by NRS Saredon Quarry Ltd to vary planning permission, allowing up to ten HGVs to enter or leave the site between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, and between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM on Saturdays. This represents a substantial increase from the current limit of two concrete mixer vehicles during these extended hours.

Local communities in Little Saredon are deeply concerned about the potential for increased noise pollution, vibration, and damage to local roads. Saredon Parish Council has lodged formal objections, citing existing breaches of planning conditions regarding HGV movements and operating hours. Residents have reported numerous complaints about early morning HGV activity, and the council's Planning Regulation Team has issued warnings to the quarry's management.

The council's own report highlighted that the proposed increase in HGV movements would likely result in an unacceptable adverse impact on residential amenity, directly contradicting local planning policies. Consequently, the recommendation was to refuse the application. This decision has significant implications for the quality of life for those living near the quarry, particularly concerning noise disruption during sensitive early morning and evening hours.

You can find more details about the Planning Committee meeting here.

Pension Fund Navigates Market Volatility: Investments Show Mixed Results

The Staffordshire Pension Fund is navigating a challenging financial landscape, with its investments showing mixed results for the quarter ending March 31, 2026. The Pensions Panel met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to review the fund's performance, which saw a slight underperformance against its benchmark. The total market value of the fund stood at £8.401 billion, a decrease of approximately £108 million from the previous quarter.

Global equity values declined during the quarter, influenced by geopolitical events in the Middle East, which fuelled inflation concerns and led to a reassessment of interest rate expectations. US and European equities saw declines, while the Japanese market performed strongly. Equities were the lowest performing asset class against the benchmark, while property emerged as the best performing.

Despite the quarterly dip, the fund's longer-term performance remains in line with its strategic asset allocation benchmark, with annualised returns since inception at +7.85% per annum, exceeding the actuary's assumption of 5.9%. The panel also reviewed the Responsible Investment and Stewardship (RI&S) report, highlighting the fund's commitment to ethical investing. Key engagement activities included discussions with General Motors on human rights due diligence and with major European airline groups on their plans for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The panel approved the Annual Investment Strategy for pension fund cash for 2026/27, acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty surrounding forthcoming pension reforms. This strategy is crucial for ensuring the fund can meet its long-term obligations to members.

You can find more details about the Pensions Panel meeting here.

Other Matters

• Sports Ground Safety Assured: The Planning Committee also received the Annual Report on the Safety of Sports Grounds for the period April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The report detailed the council's work in ensuring spectator safety at designated grounds, including those at Staffordshire County Showground, Hednesford Hills Raceway, and Uttoxeter Racecourse. The report noted that the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) rated Staffordshire County Council as low risk with commendations. The committee also considered preparedness for the upcoming Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn's Law.
• Planning Performance Reviewed: The committee reviewed the full-year performance of the Planning Policy and Development Management team for 2025-2026. The report indicated that the team met or exceeded government and local targets for decision-making speed, with 100% of major development decisions made within statutory time limits.

This week in Staffordshire:

Council Constitution Under Review: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

The Staffordshire County Council Constitution committee met on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, to undertake a crucial review of the document that underpins how the council operates. This constitution is the rulebook for local government in Staffordshire, dictating everything from how decisions are made to the rights of citizens and the conduct of elected members. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, from the fundamental role of the constitution itself to the specific functions of committees and officers.

The committee was set to examine:

• The Council's Constitution: Its purpose, how it operates, and how it can be reviewed or suspended. The importance of making the constitution publicly accessible was also a key point.
• Members of the County Council: This included discussions on how councillors are elected, their roles, responsibilities, and the Members' Code of Conduct. The operation of the Members' Fund, which allows councillors to propose local projects for funding, was also on the agenda.
• Citizens and the County Council: The rights of residents when interacting with the council, including voting, petitioning, and accessing information, were to be reviewed. The council's petitions scheme was also discussed.
• The Full Council and the Cabinet: The roles and functions of these key decision-making bodies, including budget adoption, policy framework, and the appointment of the Leader and Cabinet Members, were on the agenda.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committees: How these committees hold the Cabinet to account and review policy was a focus.
• Other Committees and Joint Arrangements: The terms of reference for various committees, including the Planning Committee, and joint working with other bodies were to be discussed.
• Officers: The management structure, conduct, and delegated powers of council officers were to be reviewed.
• Financial and Procurement Regulations: These are critical for ensuring public money is spent wisely and fairly.
• Procedural Standing Orders and Access to Information: Rules governing how meetings are run and how the public can access information were on the agenda.
• Members' Allowances Scheme and Parental Leave: Policies affecting elected members were also to be reviewed.

The thorough review of the council's constitution is vital for ensuring that local government in Staffordshire remains transparent, accountable, and effective in serving its residents.

You can find more details about the Staffordshire County Council Constitution meeting here.

Planning Decisions: Balancing Development with Community Concerns

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to consider a range of planning applications and policy matters. While the meeting's information status is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, the agenda indicates a focus on development control and the council's role in shaping the county's landscape.

The committee was scheduled to discuss:

• Planning Policy and Development Management Performance: This would have provided an update on how effectively the council is processing planning applications and developing planning policies.
• Annual Report on the Safety of Sports Grounds: This report, concerning venues like Burton Albion Football Club, ensures that public safety at sporting events is maintained in line with legislation such as the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.
• Appointment of Members to the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel: This highlights the council's commitment to managing public access to rural areas.

The committee's work is crucial for ensuring that new developments are sustainable, well-designed, and do not negatively impact the environment or the quality of life for residents. Decisions made by the Planning Committee have a direct and tangible effect on the communities they serve, influencing everything from the availability of housing to the protection of green spaces.

You can find more details about the Planning Committee meeting here.

This week in Staffordshire:

Children's Services Strategy Gets the Green Light, Promising a Best Start for Young Families

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, making a significant decision to approve the Best Start for Every Child in Staffordshire strategy. This ambitious plan aims to bolster child development outcomes by providing enhanced support to families from pregnancy through to a child's fifth birthday. The strategy will be rolled out through expanded Family Hubs, with an initial focus on areas like East Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Cannock.

The strategy involves commissioning vital support services from charities such as Gingerbread, Malachi, and Sickle Cell, who will continue their work with families. In-house early years services will also be strengthened. This initiative is backed by a substantial £4.8 million grant over three years, signalling a strong commitment to early intervention. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, stressed the critical nature of these early years, stating, We all know that if a child's development falls behind in their early years, it has potential to affect the rest of their life. The decision grants delegated authority to the Director for Children and Families for budget expenditure and implementation, ensuring swift action.

Crucial Support for Domestic Abuse Survivors Secured Through Contract Renewals

In a vital move to protect vulnerable residents, the Cabinet also approved the recommissioning of Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation (DASSA) services. The council has opted to directly award contracts to the three existing providers: Staffordshire Women's Aid, The Pathway Project, and GLOW (Honeycomb charity services). These contracts, valued at approximately £4.1 million for an initial three-year period with a potential one-year extension, will ensure continuity of support from April 1, 2027.

This decision was made under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which mandates the provision of support for victims in safe accommodation. The limited number of providers with the necessary expertise and facilities in Staffordshire made a direct award the most appropriate route. Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, shared a powerful perspective: I personally have first-hand experience as a frontline police officer, or ex-police officer, the value of effective, timely support within a safe accommodation. It goes far beyond meeting the statutory requirements. He added, Support within safe accommodations is critical in helping victims recover from trauma and regain control of their lives. This ensures that those fleeing abuse will continue to receive essential emotional support, safety planning, and practical guidance during incredibly difficult times.

Council Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability with Revised Vision and Pledges

The Cabinet endorsed the revised Vision and Pledges for the Staffordshire Sustainability Board (SSB) for 2026. This collaborative framework, developed with district and borough councils, aims to coordinate action on sustainability, waste, and resource efficiency across Staffordshire. Key pledges include promoting sustainable energy, tackling environmental crime, and encouraging waste minimisation.

Notably, the council reiterated its position on specific issues, including not supporting a net zero target as a matter of policy, and its opposition to using productive farmland for large-scale solar farms. This approach aims to balance environmental goals with practical considerations for the county's landscape and economy. The revised vision and pledges will now be presented to the Staffordshire Leaders Board for collective agreement.

Other Matters

• Pothole Repairs See Significant Increase: Acting Leader Martin Murray reported a substantial improvement in pothole repairs, with an average of 845 potholes fixed per week in April – a 5% increase compared to the previous five-year average. An additional £15 million investment is being made to address low-priority defects, preventing them from becoming major issues. This focus on visible improvements aligns with public expectations for value for money and effective service delivery.
• Framework for Property Maintenance Approved: The Cabinet agreed to procure a framework agreement for responsive property maintenance and day works. This will cover repairs to council properties, aiming for efficient and cost-effective maintenance and supporting local businesses by providing them with work opportunities.
• Economic Growth and Business Support Highlighted: An update on the Staffordshire Means Business initiative showcased a low claimant rate for Universal Credit, though a rise in young claimants was noted. The council's strong presence at the UKREiiF event and the success of Staffordshire businesses receiving King's Awards for Enterprise were also celebrated.

This week in Staffordshire:

Footpath Fights: Council Decides on Public Access in Rural Areas

The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday, 8 May 2026, to consider two applications for new public footpaths. The panel made a decision on the future of public access in two distinct rural locations, with one application being refused and another approved. These decisions impact how residents and visitors can enjoy the Staffordshire countryside, and highlight the careful balance between private land ownership and public rights of way.

Fair Oak, Eccleshall: Footpath Application Refused

An application to establish a public footpath between Lodge Lane and Lungard Lane in Eccleshall was refused by the panel. The application, first submitted in 1994, relied on evidence of public use over many years. However, officers found the submitted evidence to be insufficient to legally establish the path.

The core issue was the quality and reliability of the user evidence. Many of the forms were incomplete, unsigned, or undated, significantly weakening their impact. Crucially, much of the claimed use fell outside the 20-year period required by the Highway Act 1980[^1] for establishing a right of way through use. Furthermore, there were inconsistencies regarding whether the use was as of right – meaning without force, secrecy, or permission. Some evidence pointed to obstructions like barbed wire, while other users mentioned contacting landowners, suggesting potential permission rather than an unfettered right.

Landowner evidence also presented challenges, particularly in one section where landowners reported fences and locked gates that would have prevented access. The panel noted that while the route may have been used by the public, the evidence lacked the necessary precision and consistency to verify the claims.

Rushton Parish: New Public Footpath Approved

In contrast, an application for a new public footpath in Rushton Parish was approved. The proposed footpath connects Public Footpath 50 in Rushton Spencer to the Dial Lane Link.

While the route did not appear on historic Ordnance Survey maps, the panel considered a combination of documentary evidence, including a 1937 Manchester Guardian article, and consistent user evidence. Officers concluded that a core group of users had used the route openly and without permission from the mid-1930s to around 1970. This use was deemed frequent enough to have likely come to the notice of landowners, and there was no clear evidence of effective landowner action to prevent it until around 1970.

Despite objections from landowners, elected members, and the National Farmers Union, who raised concerns about alternative routes and potential disruption, the panel focused on the legal tests for establishing a public right-of-way. The decision to approve the footpath means that a new public access route will be added to the definitive map and statement, enhancing recreational opportunities in the area.

You can find more details about the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel meeting here.