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.

Cannock Chase Council is inviting residents to have their say on proposals for a new Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), aimed at helping to keep parks, streets, and open spaces safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.

The proposed PSPO sets out measures designed to promote responsible dog ownership and protect shared public areas. These include:

Three former councillors have been made honorary Aldermen and Alderwoman at a special meeting (Wednesday 20 May).

Les Bullock, Justin Johnson and Sheila Cartwright notched up more than 45 years’ service between them on Cannock Chase District Council.

The recommendation in a report to the council asked that Members conferred the title of Alderman and Alderwoman in ‘recognition of their eminent service to the district.’ The recommendation was unanimously agreed.

Certificates of recognition will be presented to them at a meeting of the full council in July.

The new leader of Cannock Chase Council is Paul Jones.

Councillor Jones is the Reform Group leader on the district council and represents the Hednesford Green Heath Ward. He was voted in as leader at the annual council meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday 20 May).

He takes over from Steve Thornley.

The current political make-up of the council is that Reform has 14 seats, Labour 10 seats, with eight seats for the Conservatives, three for the Green Party and one Independent.