The development of a new premium outlet shopping destination for the West Midlands moved a step closer this week as development partners U+I and Rioja Developments confirmed receipt of full planning permission.

The news follows on from Cannock Chase Council’s resolution to grant planning approval for a designer outlet village in December 2015 – a decision that was backed by Greg Clarke MP, the former Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Cannock Chase District Council, Staffordshire County Council and Public Health England have reassured local people about the very low risks to public health after conducting air tests at the Slitting Mill fire site.

Independent tests at Oak Tree Farm have revealed little to no trace of asbestos in the smoke, meaning people’s health is not at risk.

Staffordshire County Council and Cannock Chase District Council jointly commissioned the air testing after local people raised concerns about asbestos cement found at the site.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have finished covering the fire at Oak Tree Farm in Slitting Mill.

Last week, residents were notified by letter how the Fire and Rescue Service were switching operational tactics from pulling apart and damping down the waste stack, to covering it over and ‘capping’ it with soil.

Capping the waste stack with soil has decreased the amount of smoke and flames being generated, reducing any risk to residents living in the local area and people working on the site.

Cannock Chase Council’s public consultation launches today to hear opinions and views of the future of Council services in the District from residents, businesses, community groups and visitors.

This follows the recent announcement that the Council faces a funding deficit that peaks at £2.15m in 2018/19 and the launch of the Council’s Financial Recovery Plan.

Following the Tactical Assessment Meeting (TAM) this morning, the burning stack at Oak Farm in Slitting Mill will now be capped with soil as agreed by the multi-agency partnership.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service will be undertaking this work immediately. It is estimated that the works will take approximately two to four days to complete.

A public meeting took place at Rugeley Fire Station last night to reassure residents about the fire at Oak Farm.

Officers from leading agencies – Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health England, Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Environment Agency attended to answer questions from concerned residents about the fire and its current position.

Cannock Chase Council’s Environmental Health Team are to deploy equipment to monitor the air quality in the immediate area of the fire at Oak Farm, Slitting Mill.

Residents in Cannock Chase can now take advantage of discounts and local deals thanks to the launch of the Good Life app.

The app is free to download and residents/visitors to Cannock Chase will be able to take advantage of offers and deals that local businesses have advertised.

A selection of businesses with deals and offers include: Made With Love, Go Ape, Gymophobics, Channings Skincare and Teddies.

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) have engaged a national expert in waste fires to support the ongoing situation at Oak Tree Farm.

A number of options ranging from water to foam applications had been previously considered, but these could have had impacts upon other partners’ activities.

Cannock Chase Council publishes their financial recovery plan this week which highlights the major funding deficit faced by the Council and potential savings options for public consultation.

The financial recovery plan provides the background information and specific savings options that Council Officers have identified. The savings options total £2.1m per annum and are in excess of the £1.6m minimum saving requirement.  This means that a meaningful consultation can take place on the options to achieve a saving of £1.6m.