South Staffordshire Council has a duty to ensure that planning application decisions comply with the Habitats Regulations. Local Plan policy EQ2 safeguards the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which has been designated for its unique heathland habitat.
Please note that applications for new housing which fall within a 15-kilometre radius Zone of Influence for the Cannock Chase SAC will need to provide mitigation.
South Staffordshire Council is a member of Cannock Chase SAC Partnership and this mitigation can currently be provided in the form of a monetary payment of £355.02 per dwelling (between the period of April 2025-March 2026) and a single legal administration fee of £175 per agreement. Applicants should ensure they review the latest SAC guidance before submitting an application. A draft unilateral agreement must accompany all planning applications where required (see Appendix 2 of the Guidance).
SSDC Cannock Chase SAC Guidance 1st April 2022
Draft Template - Unilateral Undertaking SAC
Information updated 15.05.2025
