Lancs authorities consult on combined Local Plan

Preston, South Ribble and Chorley councils have started an issues and options consultation as the authorities seek to map out development in Central Lancashire over the next 15 years.

Consultation on the Central Lancashire Local Plan started this Monday and will run until 14 February 2020.

Two calls for sites have already been made, leading to more than 500 submissions for housing and employment sites. Further site suggestions are also being requested, particularly small and medium-sized sites.

Officers from all three central Lancashire councils will be at various venues across the county in the coming weeks, while views can also be given online, where the lists of sites submitted for each borough is set out. Consultation documents will be available at local libraries.

Chris Hayward, director of development at Preston City Council, said: “Public consultation is a crucial part of developing our local plan – this is another opportunity to get involved in the future of your area.

“A local plan is hugely important to residents and businesses. It enables councils and planners to identify key opportunities and to forward plan. Key sites have been identified, and now we want your opinions on what can be developed in the coming years.”

Following the consultation, preferred options will be established, forming the basis of a draft Local Plan, to be published in early 2021. This would then be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, with the councils hoping for formal adoption from summer 2021.