Between July 2021 and September 2021, East Staffordshire Borough Council worked with consultant partners URBED to engage with stakeholders and residents of Uttoxeter on the next steps for the Uttoxeter Masterplan.
Over a period of seven weeks, residents were asked about the strengths and weaknesses of the town, whether the themes identified in the Masterplan are appropriate, and what principles would be important to them in the regeneration of the four priority ideas in the Masterplan.
During this time, the Council held a number of public drop in events at activities such as the Makers Market and Lark in the Park and issued nearly 11,000 leaflets to residential properties in and around the town. This resulted in a response rate of 684, which can be considered representative of the town.
Councillor George Allen, Deputy Leader for Regeneration and Planning Policy, said:
“Whilst we had hoped to achieve a higher number of responses to the consultation, it’s been great to speak to lots of different people at the consultation events about their ideas and thoughts on taking the Masterplan forward and discussing the things that are most important to them.
“Looking forward, we will put together a project plan which will identify which sites ESBC will need to become involved with and at what level. As well as this we will be working with Staffordshire County Council on the creation of a bus, parking and cycling strategy to help identify and inform the needs of the town in those areas. Where this work starts to inform plans for the town, we will look to further consult with residents on proposals for the regeneration of Uttoxeter.
“In the meantime, we will be making smaller enhancements in the town centre where possible and I can confirm that we will be installing new planters and seating along the Maltings precinct, ready for the warmer months.”
The report detailing the findings of the consultation can be found on the Council’s website, alongside the Uttoxeter Masterplan: https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/burton-town-regeneration-programme/regeneration/uttoxeter-masterplan