Lancashire regeneration planning scheme under review
Two Lancashire towns could benefit from an Area Action Plan aimed at delivering 1,300 new homes and significant new employment opportunities provided it is given approval by the planning inspectorate.
The Area Action Plan, which was prepared in partnership with several specialist consultancies, will seek to develop a comprehensive vision and planning framework for Fleetwood and Thornton.
The aim of the Area Action Plan is to provide a clear planning framework for regeneration in both towns over the next 15-20 years.
Wyre Borough Council provided viability evidence to the Department of Communities and Local Government at a recent independent examination into the plan.
Garry Payne, director of planning & regeneration at Wyre Borough Council, said: "The AAP has been developed through extensive public consultation and, once adopted, will form part of Wyre's Local Development Framework meaning that it will be a very important consideration in any decision on planning applications in the area. The evidence base required to support the AAP was extensive and detailed."
Adam Mirley, senior surveyor in the planning, development and urban regeneration team at Lambert Smith Hampton's Manchester office, which acted on behalf of Wyre Borough Council, said: "The AAP will pave the way for around £1.35m of investment, which includes proposals for a new district centre at Burn Haze and at least 1.5m sq ft of office and industrial development.
"The AAP is one of very few in the country to have reached this crucial stage and, as a result, has attracted enormous attention from other local authorities."
The Area Action Plan will now be considered by the planning inspectorate and will be formally adopted in July this year once it is declared 'sound'.