Locals invited to have their say on Central Lancashire Local Plan

LOCAL people in Lancashire are being asked to have their say about development in their area as part of a review to deliver the Central Lancashire Local Plan.

The three Central Lancashire authorities – Chorley, South Ribble and Preston Councils – have come together to deliver the Central Lancashire Local Plan and they are holding a public consultation to review their proposals.

The Local Plan follows strategic planning policies for determining development and protecting sites. People can now have their say as to what sites they would like to be developed.

Councillor Cliff Hughes, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Housing and Economic Growth at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “We know that our residents in South Ribble 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 you propose 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.”

Councillor 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.

“I’d urge everyone to take time to look at the consultation and feed in your comments so we can come up with a Local Plan that is fit for the future.

“We are working with our neighbouring councils at Preston and South Ribble so we can take account of the wider Central Lancashire area and make sure that any development is spread appropriately across the three boroughs.”

The consultation, Call for Sites, 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.

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.

Councillor 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.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Chorley and South Ribble to develop the local plan for the needs of the wider Central Lancashire area, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the needs, opportunities and challenges.”

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