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  "description": "Cannock Chase Council is celebrating major recognition after being shortlisted in two categories at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.",
  "path": "/cannock-chase-council-shortlisted-for-prestigious-regional-planning-awards/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-09T17:16:44.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk",
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  "textContent": "The Council has been shortlisted for Planning Authority of the Year, recognising the outstanding achievements of its Planning Service, alongside a second shortlisting for Young Planner of the Year, awarded to Interim Planning Policy Team Leader Grace Lockley.\n\nThe RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the planning profession, recognising excellence, innovation and positive outcomes for communities.\n\nThe Planning Authority of the Year nomination highlights the Council’s strong and consistent performance across both its Development Management and Planning Policy teams.\n\nThe Council’s Planning Service has delivered significant results in recent years. Key achievements include:\n\n*Adoption of the Cannock Chase Local Plan in March 2026.\n*Maintaining excellent performance in determining planning applications, consistently exceeding national targets and delivering timely decisions.\n*Supporting major developments and investment, including the expansion of the\nMcArthurGlen Designer Outlet and the regeneration of the former Rugeley Power\nStation site.\n*Delivering high success rates at appeals.\n\nThe award nomination also highlights the team’s collaborative culture, with Planning Policy and Development Management working closely together to ensure that planning policies are practical, deliverable and aligned with decision-making.\n\nThe Council is also celebrating the shortlisting of Grace Lockley for Young Planner of the Year in recognition of her leadership and impact since joining the Council in 2019.\n\nNow leading the Planning Policy team, she played a key role in progressing the Local Plan through Examination in Public to adoption. She is also recognised for her technical expertise, collaborative approach and commitment to supporting colleagues.\n\nLeader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Corporate Strategy, Councillor Paul Jones said:\n\n> “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s RTPI Awards. This reflects the dedication and professionalism of our Planning Service, which continues to deliver excellent outcomes despite operating as a small team\n\n> “The adoption of our new Local Plan is a major milestone, and it is fantastic to see Grace recognised as one of the region’s leading young planners.”\n\nThe winners of the RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence will be announced on 23 July 2026, with successful entries progressing to the national finals.\n\nThis double shortlisting recognises the strength and expertise within Cannock Chase Council’s Planning Service, as well as its continued commitment to delivering high-quality planning that benefits residents, businesses and the wider community.\n\n####  Enjoyed this story?\n\nThe Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.\n\nEvery contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.\n\nExplore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent.\n\n### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp\n\nNever miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!\n\n\nGet Instant Updates\n\n\n\nSupport independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.",
  "title": "Cannock Chase Council shortlisted for prestigious regional planning awards",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-09T17:16:44.682Z"
}