Cannock Chase District Council has released a comprehensive Sunday briefing outlining its ambitious plans for social housing expansion throughout 2026. With the housing list continuing to grow, the council is under significant pressure to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes for local residents. The new strategy focuses on “Brownfield First” development, targeting derelict industrial sites in Hednesford and Bridgtown for conversion into modern residential blocks.
The council leader stated that the goal is not just to provide roofs over heads, but to build communities that are energy-efficient and future-proof. These new builds are expected to feature air-source heat pumps and solar arrays as standard, aligning with the district’s carbon-neutral targets. However, the plan has met some resistance from residents in more rural parts of the district who fear that “urban sprawl” will eventually encroach on the green belt.
Funding for the project is expected to come from a mix of government grants and reinvested revenue from existing council properties. A significant portion of the new housing will be reserved for those with a “local connection” to Cannock, ensuring that people born and raised here aren’t priced out of their own town.
Additionally, the council is looking into a “Right to Shared Ownership” scheme for current tenants, allowing more families to get a foot on the property ladder. Public consultations are set to begin in March, and the council is encouraging every resident to have their say. This Sunday announcement serves as a roadmap for what could be the largest housing shift in the district for over a decade.
🗣️ Thursday Hub Debate
Should the council focus on building new homes on the green belt if brownfield sites are more expensive to develop?
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