Published: Friday, 5th June 2026
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.
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.
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the planning profession, recognising excellence, innovation and positive outcomes for communities.
The Planning Authority of the Year nomination highlights the Council’s strong and consistent performance across both its Development Management and Planning Policy teams.
The Council’s Planning Service has delivered significant results in recent years. Key achievements include:
• adoption of the Cannock Chase Local Plan in March 2026.
• Maintaining excellent performance in determining planning applications, consistently exceeding national targets and delivering timely decisions.
• Supporting major developments and investment, including the expansion of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and the regeneration of the former Rugeley Power Station site.
• Delivering high success rates at appeals.
The 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.
The 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.
Now 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.
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Corporate Strategy, Councillor Paul Jones said: “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
“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.”
The 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.
This 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.