Published: Monday, 27th July 2026
Cannock Chase Council is celebrating a major achievement after winning Planning Authority of the Year at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
The award was presented at the RTPI West Midlands Planning Excellence Awards ceremony in Birmingham on 23 July, recognising the outstanding achievements of the Council’s Planning Service.
As the regional winner, Cannock Chase Council will now represent the West Midlands at the RTPI National Awards for Planning Excellence finals in London in December, competing against other regional winners from across the country.
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the planning profession, recognising excellence, innovation and positive outcomes for communities.
Winning the Planning Authority of the Year award reflects the Council’s strong and consistent performance across both its Development Management and Planning Policy teams.
The judges commented; the council’s planning service is a high-performing and collaborative team delivering strong planning outcomes. The authority has progressed its Local Plan through Examination in Public while maintaining strong development management performance and enabling major proposals including the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet expansion. The service works constructively with applicants, communities and regional partners to resolve complex planning challenges and support sustainable development.
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Corporate Strategy, Councillor Paul Jones, said: "Winning RTPI West Midlands Planning Authority of the Year is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone involved should be incredibly proud of. This award is recognition of the hard work, commitment and expertise of our Planning Service, which consistently delivers excellent outcomes for residents, businesses and communities across the district.
“Our Planning teams have successfully balanced the need to support economic growth and investment with protecting and enhancing the qualities that make Cannock Chase such a special place. The adoption of the Local Plan earlier this year was a significant achievement, and this award reflects the collaborative effort that helped make that possible.
“We are honoured to be representing the West Midlands at the national finals in London later this year and wish the team every success.”
Cannock Chase Council will now compete in the RTPI National Awards for Planning Excellence 2026, alongside 6 other regional Planning Authority of the Year winners from across the UK who will be considered for the national title.