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# Councillors voice "significant concerns" over changes to planning system
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillors-voice-significant-concerns-over-changes-to-planning-system/
- Published: 2026-10-10T07:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-10T06:59:59.000Z
- Description: Amendments will restrict which applications can be called in for consideration.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, News

MEMBERS of Staffordshire County Council have voiced "significant concerns" on mandatory changes to national planning rules.

Councillors were advised at a meeting that despite their objections, they were legally required to accept the changes as part of the council’s constitution as these were compulsory.

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The amendments – which will restrict when planning applications can be called in for debate by councillors – will come into force on 31st October.

Cllr Martin Murray, leader of the council, said:

> "The strength of feeling on this matter is clear as we feel this is stifling democracy and limiting our ability to fully represent our communities.  
>  
> "However, our hands on this are tied and we have no option but to accept it if we are to remain lawful."

Cllr Murray told members at a meeting he would be raising the matter with both Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and local MPs.

County councillors voted by a majority to approve the amendment of the constitution to reflect the changes to planning laws.

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