Marie Shortland

The Planning Committee of Staffordshire Council approved the application by The Cabinet, Staffordshire County Council for a new bypass bridge and conversion of the existing Chetwynd Bridge to pedestrian and cycle use. The decision was made on 06 August 2026. The approved plans include a new two-span composite steel beam and concrete deck bridge, new road approaches, and the pedestrianisation of the existing Grade II\* listed Chetwynd Bridge.

The Cabinet of Staffordshire Council approved recommendations on 15 July 2026. This decision relates to the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for August to December 2026. The plan outlines upcoming decisions on topics including highway alignments, artificial intelligence, highways design, tarmacadam agreements, highway asset management, winter service, street lighting contracts, nature recovery strategies, performance reports, unregistered placements, access roads, cycling and walking infrastructure, and the medium-term financial strategy.

The Cabinet decided to approve the allocation of £28,583,394 of High Needs Provision Capital Allocations funding. This decision was made on 15/07/2026 to deliver an all-age special school in Rugeley and a new primary pupil referral unit in Stafford. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Director for Children and Families to approve final project costs and to the Director of Finance & Resources to enter into necessary contracts.

The Property Sub-Committee of Staffordshire Council decided on 17 June 2026 to approve the freehold transfer of school buildings and playing fields and the acquisition of former school buildings. The Assistant Director for Commercial and Assets was delegated to finalise the details of these transactions.