People in central Lancashire have a second chance to suggest development sites in their area as part of a review to deliver the Central Lancashire Local Plan. The deadline is Monday 8th April.
The three Central Lancashire authorities - Preston, South Ribble and Chorley - have come together to deliver jointly the Central Lancashire Local Plan.
The Local Plan follows strategic planning policies for determining development and protecting sites. People can now put forward small and medium sized sites that are ready for development.
The consultation - Call for Sites - is another chance for land owners, developers, local builders or any interested parties to submit details of small and medium sized 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. A few sites were suggested during the first consultation in 2018; these are currently being assessed and should not be re-submitted.
Councillor Peter Moss, Cabinet Member for planning and regulation 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.
“We really need these small sites, and we really need the small and medium sized local builders to come to the party.
“A local plan is hugely important to residents and businesses. It enables councils and planners to identify key opportunities and to forward plan. This is the stage where we need help in identifying those key sites, which can be developed in the coming years.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with South Ribble and Chorley 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.”
Councillor Cliff Hughes, Cabinet Member for strategic planning and housing at South Ribble Borough Council, added:
“South Ribble residents have a vital part to play in deciding the future development of the borough - that is why I want to encourage people to submit a site for development before the deadline on 8th April.
“The ideas that you put forward will help to shape the look and feel of Central Lancashire for the next 15 years – so this is obviously an important process and I am looking forward to reading the submissions.
“Of course, we are not alone in this process, and I look forward to working with our neighbours in Chorley and Preston once again.”
Councillor Alistair Bradley, 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 Call for Sites consultation runs from Monday 28th January to Monday 8th April 2019.
