Cllrs Robert & Susan Duncan

12/09/2026

Tonight's Quiz is all about Libraries.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7HJTXWS

As always have fun and pop your score in the comments - don’t be shy 😉

Enjoy.

12/09/2026

🏡 Major Planning Changes Introduced by Government – Effective 31 October 2026

From 31 October 2026, the Government is introducing a new national approach to how planning decisions are made. These changes will significantly alter the balance between elected councillors and planning officers, with far more decisions taken by officers rather than through democratic committee processes.

Below is a clear explanation of what is changing and why it matters for local communities.

🔹 Most planning applications will now be decided by officers

Under the new National Scheme of Delegation, the majority of applications will no longer come before a Planning Committee. Instead, they will be determined directly by planning officers.

This includes most:

• Householder applications
• Minor commercial or residential developments
• Discharge of conditions
• Reserved matters
• Prior approvals
• Certificates of lawfulness
• Non‑material amendments

In practice, this means far fewer opportunities for residents or councillors to have their concerns heard in a public forum.

🔹 Larger applications will also be delegated by default

Even major developments will normally be decided by officers unless they raise a significant planning, economic, social or environmental issue for the local area.

For an application to reach committee:

1. The nominated planning officer and
2. The nominated councillor

Must both agree that committee consideration is necessary.

If they do not agree, the application is automatically decided by the ‘Officer’ — removing the previous ability for councillors to ensure major proposals receive democratic scrutiny.

🔹 Councillors’ ability to “call in” applications will be severely restricted

Councillors will no longer be able to request committee consideration if it conflicts with the national scheme. This is a major change, as call‑ins have traditionally been an important safeguard allowing elected representatives to ensure transparency and accountability.

🔹 Planning Committees will be smaller

From 31 October, Planning Committees will be capped at 13 councillors. This reduces the number of elected voices involved in decision‑making and further concentrates responsibility in the hands of officers.

What this means for local democracy

These reforms represent a significant shift away from locally accountable decision‑making. The Government states that the aim is to speed up decisions and make committees more “focused”, but many residents and councillors are concerned that:

• Fewer applications will be debated publicly
• Local knowledge and community insight will play a smaller role
• Democratic oversight will be reduced
• Officers will carry far greater responsibility for decisions affecting neighbourhoods

I will continue to keep residents updated as we understand more about how this new national system will operate in practice and what it means for South Staffordshire’s communities.

Cllr Robert Duncan
Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee

10/09/2026

🚧 Station Street Consultation and Road Condition Update 🚧

We would like to provide residents with the latest update regarding Station Street and the condition of both Station Street and Station Road.

Following enquiries made on behalf of residents by Cllrs Susan Duncan and myself, Cllr Tom Baker has confirmed that the consultation on Station Street is currently underway. Letters have been sent to residents on the affected section of the road, and discussions are taking place with local people to gather their views on the proposals.

At present, no date has been set for a public meeting. We have been advised that officers are awaiting feedback from residents before determining the next steps and whether a meeting will be required. We will continue to seek updates and share further information as soon as it becomes available.

While residents living on Station Street are understandably those most directly affected, we continue to believe that meaningful public consultation is absolutely essential. Station Street is a key route used by residents from across Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley and neighbouring communities, as well as local businesses, school traffic and commuters. Any proposals affecting the road have implications far beyond those properties immediately adjacent to it, and it is important that the wider community has the opportunity to have its views heard before any decisions are made.

Recognising this, Cllr Susan Duncan has written today to Cllr Tom Baker stressing the importance of ensuring that consultation and engagement extend beyond those living in close proximity to Station Street. She has highlighted the need to obtain the wider picture by seeking the views of all residents and road users who are affected by the road and the proposals being considered.

We have also continued to raise concerns regarding the poor condition of both Station Street and Station Road, particularly the increasing number and severity of potholes. Cllr Tom Baker has advised that repair works on Station Street had previously been scheduled but were delayed due to works overrunning at another location. He has since spoken with Highways officers to ensure the repairs are rescheduled and has highlighted the need for the work to be carried out before conditions deteriorate further.

In relation to Station Road, we have been advised that pothole repairs have already been raised and are currently awaiting scheduling. Further discussions are taking place with Highways to establish timescales and determine whether works on both roads can be undertaken together.

We fully appreciate residents' frustrations regarding both the uncertainty surrounding the Station Street proposals and the condition of these important roads. Please be assured that we will continue to press for answers, push for necessary repairs, and ensure that residents are kept informed of any developments.

Cllrs Susan & Robert Duncan

10/09/2026

🌿 Less than four days left to help shape the future of housing in South Staffordshire and be in with a chance of winning £1,000 🌿

Good morning,

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the engagement so far.

This is a final reminder that you only have until Sunday 13th September to share your views on what matters most when planning new homes and communities for the future. You could be in with a chance of winning £1,000 by completing the survey.

The survey is available here:

https://waves.comhairle.scot/conversations/503cae8b-739a-491c-9e9e-569171198323/invite/25ebdbfd-86d7-4e50-9848-fd6bc653387b?embed=true

Earlier this year, more than 1,200 people took part in the first phase of the project, sharing their thoughts on housing, growth and community development. These conversations helped inform a residents' panel, which has since developed a set of principles for future housing in South Staffordshire.

This survey asks participants to review these recommendations and tell us which ideas are most important to them. The principles cover a range of topics, including affordable housing, green spaces, community facilities, healthcare, schools, environmental sustainability and protecting the character of local communities.

The feedback gathered will help inform South Staffordshire Council's long-term vision and future Local Plan, ensuring local voices continue to play a key role in shaping how communities grow and develop.

Further information on the project can be found here:

https://engage.sstaffs.gov.uk/en-GB/


If you have any questions or queries, please get in touch with the Local Plans Team at: [email protected]

Do you live in, work in or visit South Staffordshire? If yes, South Staffordshire Council wants to hear from you in the latest stage of the Shaping South Staffordshire conversation!

09/09/2026

National Police Survey – Your Voice Matters

Residents, many of you will remember that on 26th August you were invited to take part in the National Police Survey, a major piece of research looking at people’s experiences of crime, anti‑social behaviour and policing across the UK.

If you haven’t had chance to start it yet, please do consider taking part. It takes around 10 minutes, it’s multiple‑choice, and no question is mandatory – you can skip anything you’d prefer not to answer. You can also save your progress and return to it whenever you wish.

Every response helps build a clearer picture of what communities like ours are experiencing. Your views genuinely shape national understanding and future priorities.

👉 Take the survey here:
National Police Survey

https://survey.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/Survey/HASH/915BAE706A86AAD4E1CB6CC3A0D8FD96

Let’s make sure Cheslyn Hay is heard.

Thank you.

Cllr Robert Duncan

A link to continue your survey has been sent to your email address. Your answers so far have been saved, and the link will take you straight back to where you left off. Please don't share the link, as it's unique to you.

09/09/2026

🌿 🌿 Resident Message – School Parking Concerns

A number of residents living close to Cheslyn Hay High School have recently shared concerns about parking at school drop‑off and pick‑up times. There have been several situations where driveways have been unintentionally blocked and cars have been left very close to junctions, making it difficult and sometimes unsafe for people to get in and out of their homes.

This message isn’t about criticising parents or carers. We all understand how busy school collection times can be, and many of us have done the school run ourselves. However, the level of congestion has noticeably increased this term, and some of the parking choices—though not deliberate—are creating real problems for neighbours who simply need access to their own property.

It’s also worth noting that a significant number of parents dropping off or collecting children are travelling in from outside Cheslyn Hay. Naturally, this adds to the volume of vehicles on our residential roads and can exacerbate the situation at peak times.

I’m asking everyone who collects children from the senior school to please take a moment to consider how and where you park. Even small adjustments can make a big difference to the people living on these streets, especially when visibility is reduced or cars are double‑parked near junctions.

We’re a community that looks out for one another, and I know that a bit of extra care at busy times will help prevent accidents and reduce frustration for everyone.

Thank you to all residents for continuing to raise issues constructively, and to parents and carers for your cooperation.

Please indicate your support.

Thank you so much.

Cllr Robert Duncan

07/09/2026

Families living with dementia urged to sign up to missing person scheme

Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones with the Herbert Protocol

As part of World Alzheimer's Month, I'd like to highlight the importance of the Herbert Protocol, a free scheme designed to help police quickly locate vulnerable people who may go missing, particularly those living with dementia.

The scheme allows families and carers to securely record important information such as recent photographs, medical needs and places a loved one may visit. This information can then be accessed by police if the person is reported missing, helping officers respond more quickly and effectively.

You do not need an official dementia diagnosis to register, and the service is free to use through Safe and Found Online.

I would encourage any resident caring for a vulnerable family member to consider signing up. It is a simple step that could make a significant difference if the worst should happen.

For more information or to register, visit the https://safeandfoundonline.co.uk/herbert-protocol/.

Councillor Robert Duncan

07/09/2026

🏡 Message to All Our Local Communities

We have been made aware that four arrests have now been made as part of an ongoing police investigation into the tragic death of a three‑month‑old child in Cheslyn Hay / Great Wyrley.

A 42 year old man and a 30 year old woman both from South Staffordshire, a 20 year old woman from Wolverhampton and an 18 year old man from Walsall have been arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed with conditions while inquiries continue.

This is an incredibly distressing incident, and I want to reassure residents that officers have been working tirelessly ever since the call was first received at 8.45am on Saturday, 5 September. Their child protection team has been progressing enquiries at pace to establish exactly what has happened.

Detective Inspector Josh Lee has confirmed that all four individuals have been arrested on suspicion of murder, but the investigation remains at a very early stage. Police are keeping an open mind while they continue gathering evidence, and at this time they are treating the matter as an isolated incident.

Understandably, incidents like this cause concern within our communities. I echo the police in asking everyone to avoid speculation or sharing unconfirmed claims online. It’s important that we allow officers the space to do their work thoroughly and professionally.

Thank you,
Cllr Robert Duncan

Cheslyn Hay Village

07/09/2026

Community Appeal

I am very concerned to learn that Rhys, a 30-year-old man from Cheslyn Hay, has been reported missing after last being seen at his home on Sunday afternoon. My thoughts are with his family and friends, who must be going through an incredibly difficult and worrying time.

As a community, we have always shown how much we care for one another, and I hope that by working together we can help bring Rhys home safely. Please take a moment to look at the description circulated by Staffordshire Police. You never know, a small piece of information could make all the difference.

If you have seen Rhys or have any information about where he may be, please contact Staffordshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 590 of 6 September.

Thank you to everyone who shares this appeal and keeps a watchful eye out. Let us hope for a safe and swift outcome and that Rhys is reunited with his loved ones as soon as possible.



Cllr Robert Duncan

05/09/2026

Tonight's Quiz is all about Acting Families

https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/VQRFV56

As always have fun and pop your score in the comments.

Enjoy.

Rob