Consultation opens about Cannock Chase
A partnership which works to protect the habitats of Cannock Chase from damage caused by visitors is seeking views on its plans for how the landscape will be protected in the future.
Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Partnership includes local authorities, statutory agencies, wildlife conservation organisations and landowners, who work together to ensure Cannock Chase continues to improve both as a home for nature and a place people can enjoy.
The partnership is now consulting on two plans that set out how it will improve the infrastructure at Cannock Chase, including the car parks, footpaths and visitor centres. They also look at how to raise awareness of the vital role visitors can play in protecting the area.
Glenn Watson, the chairman of the SAC Partnership, said: “2.4 million people visit Cannock Chase every year. With increased housing development and a growing population, the number of people visiting Cannock Chase is expected to go up by 15 to 20 percent by 2026.
“Our two plans set out how we can make sure there will be space for everyone to continue to enjoy the open air and natural beauty of Cannock Chase, without hurting its protected habitats and species.
“I hope everyone who enjoys living by or visiting this stunning landscape will take the time to read through the plans and give us their views.”
Money has already been collected from developers of new housing developments that are built near Cannock Chase. This will be used to fund improvements to the Chase’s visitor infrastructure, provide better information, and work with visitors and landowners to help protect the site.
“Once we’ve finalised these plans we are all excited to start delivering these improvements to Cannock Chase’s visitor infrastructure from early 2020 onwards,” added Glenn.
The consultation will run from October 21 to November 29, 2019.
To read the plans and other relevant documents, visit the consultation website at haveyoursaycannockchase.org.uk
Reference copies of the plans are also available in the reception of Stafford Borough Council at Riverside, Civic Centre, Stafford, South Staffordshire District Council at Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, South Staffordshire, Lichfield District Council at Frog Lane, Lichfield, Cannock Chase District Council at Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock, The City of Wolverhampton Council at Civic Centre, St Peters Square, Wolverhampton and Staffordshire County Council at 1 Staffordshire Place.
To discuss the plans, call the Cannock Chase SAC team on 07800619650 or 07800619636.
