News

News items are listed in reverse chronological order (most recent items first).  Use the navigation below, to view other years.  The currently selected page is indicated with black, bold text, below.

Christmas is Almost Here - 22^nd December 2025 ^

Santa's sleigh visited Aston Lodge this evening, so Christmas is almost here!

On behalf of ALRA, we hope that you enjoy the festive season and wish you all the best, for 2026.  Our thanks to LSCC for supporting our events this year.

Park Bench - 15^th July 2025 ^

Yesterday (Monday 14^th July), a plaque was added to the bench in the park.  The bench was funded by ALRA, with donations from Aston Lodge Residents, Stafford Borough Council Small Grants & The Community Foundation.

On behalf of ALRA, thank you to all the people and organisations that contributed.

Crown Meadow Update - 4^th July 2025 ^

Read about the work taking place, to improve Crown Meadow, including removing 'Himalayan Balsam', in this article on A Little Bit of Stone.

Stone Banking Hub - 17^th May 2025 ^

As you may be aware, the Stone banking hub has been operating in the Frank Jordan Centre, since 1^st July 2024.  It's now due to relocate to the former Bet365 premises, towards to the top of the high street.

On Friday 23^rd May, Ian Lambert will be holding a drop-in Community Information Event, at bod cafe-bar, 40 High Street, Stone, ST15 8AU, between 10:00 and 14:00.  See Facebook

This is to let members of the public know what a Banking Hub is and what it can do, plus a chance to ask questions, regarding the Banking Hub, arriving soon, especially now the building work has begun.  You are, of course, very welcome to come along at any time.

Development Proposal for Land Adjacent to Aston Lodge - 6^th March 2025 ^

The following information, was sent out in an email to residents on the above date...

You may be aware that farmland to the south-east of Aston Lodge (STO13), has been made available for housing development.  A proposal was submitted by Strategic Land Group in 2021, on behalf of the land owners.  Stafford Borough Council have included the site, in its list of land that is available for possible development.  Recently, survey crews have been seen working on this land.  Below, is a map of the area concerned.

The two fields in question, adjoin Aston Lodge estate, to the north-west, and the Blackies Lane grassy patch, to the south-west.  The proposed development would straddle Blackies Lane, across to Uttoxeter Road, backing on to Oakleigh Court.

The land is outside the current housing settlement boundary, set by Stafford Borough Council, but they are actively considering it, and can move the settlement boundary in a revised Local Development Plan.  Much depends on the government's new housing targets, and how this gets allocated throughout the Borough, including Stone.  The revision of the Local Development Plan for housing in Stafford Borough is currently on hold, whilst the government's new housing targets are considered.

Please see Strategic Land Group's proposal document (as it appears on Stafford Borough Council's website).  The proposal is for 125 houses, with green spaces and a play area.  There is also an option for a convenience store on Uttoxeter Road (opposite the entrance to the cricket club).  Vehicular access for houses would be from Uttoxeter Road, across Blackies Lane, and not through Aston Lodge.

Note: the above proposal was written before planning permission was granted for the houses and shops on Lichfield Road.

This is not a planning application; it's a proposal from the land owners (assuming the land is sold for development).  If the Borough Council decides to include this land in the Local Development Plan, then a detailed planning application will no doubt follow.

ALRA is sending this update, following several new enquiries from residents: a) because of revised national targets for housebuilding and b) due to recent survey work.

The ALRA committee, has not yet adopted a position on this proposal, however, we previously stated: we believe that large scale development on the STO13 site, is inappropriate (please see this article).  There's a range of opinions, on the need for housing, the effect of development on farmland, as well as the impact on infrastructure and services, that such a development would have.  Please feel free to email secretary@alra.org.uk with your views and comments.  If there are strong views, either for, or against, ALRA would consider arranging a coordinated response.

Happy New Year - 1^st January 2025 ^

Happy New Year, I hope you and your families enjoyed the festive season.  No news updates just yet, but check back often, or read last years news by selecting the link to 2024 above.