Consultation starts as Lancs councils combine on Local Plans

Local authorities in Preston, South Ribble and Chorley have opened public consultation on a combined Central Lancashire Local Plan.

As with other neighbouring areas – Burnley’s Local Plan being officially adopted this month – the Local Plan will provide a context for determining development and protecting sites over the long term.

Although each of the three councils already has a Local Plan in place, adopted in 2015, they are coming together to refresh their plans and put together an overarching document covering the whole cross-borough housing market area. The new Local Plan, once adopted, would supercede the existing plans.

The local authorities are inviting people to contribute their thoughts on which sites should be promoted for development, and which should be protected.

The Call for Sites consultation is the first stage of the Local Plan review and asks individuals, developers or any interested parties to submit details of sites available for development over the next 15 years.

Cllr Cliff Hughes, cabinet member for strategic planning, housing and economic growth at South Ribble, said: “We know that our residents have a vital part to play in deciding the future development of the borough – that’s why I am today encouraging people to submit a site for development before the 9 November deadline.

“The ideas proposed will help dictate the look and feel of Central Lancashire for the next 15 years – so it’s clear just how important this process is, and I’m looking forward to reading the submissions.

“We’re not alone in this process, of course, and I look forward to working once again with our neighbours in Chorley and Preston.”

Cllr Peter Wilson, deputy leader of Chorley Council, said: “We know areas for future development in the borough are of real importance to residents and businesses as they can have a big impact on their lives.

“By opening up this process it gives people a chance to put their ideas forward – both for areas that need developing and those that they want to see protected – so that any future development can be used to benefit our borough whether that’s by building homes for future generations or by creating new jobs for local people.”

The sites can be any size or type; including occupied; vacant, derelict or undeveloped land. Proposals can be for any type of land use, including residential; commercial; retail, leisure or recreation.

Cllr Peter Moss, cabinet member for planning and regulations at Preston City Council, said: “While it may not sound exciting, a Local Plan is hugely important to residents and the local area and enables councils and planners to identify key opportunities and forward plan. Public consultation is a crucial part of developing our local plan – this is your opportunity to get involved in the future of the city.”

The Call for Sites consultation is running for 12 weeks from Friday 17 August until Friday 9 November 2018.