A blueprint for the future of West Lancashire will be considered for adoption by West Lancashire Borough Council.
The West Lancashire Local Plan 2012-2027 Development Plan Document will guide how the borough develops over the next 15 years to meet the needs of people who live and work in the borough. It covers everything from new homes and jobs to retail and leisure facilities, transport and local services and energy and the environment.
West Lancashire Borough Council recently received the final report of Mr Roger Clews, the Planning Inspector appointed to examine the Local Plan Development Plan Document. He concluded that the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant, subject to his recommended modifications.
A consultation on the changes recommended by Mr Clews was carried out during the summer. These have been incorporated into the modified Local Plan document which will be considered for adoption by Council on 16 October 2013.
Councillor Martin Forshaw, Portfolio holder for Planning, said: “Our Local Plan will help to deliver the sustainable development required by West Lancashire to 2027 for the benefit of people in the borough. Final decisions will be made by Council members on 16 October.”
If the Council chooses to adopt the Local Plan it will become part of the Development Plan for the borough and replace the previous Replacement Local Plan 2001-2016 with immediate effect.
The Local Plan will ensure developments and services are located in the most sustainable parts of the borough and can be supported by infrastructure such as transport links. It allocates specific sites for development such as for housing and employment uses. If it is adopted the Council will then be able to use the Local Plan to consider future planning applications on their merits and in light of community concerns at the time of an application.
Copies of the Inspector’s Report and all other examination documents are available to view on our Submission and Examination page and/or at Council offices and local libraries. The modified Local Plan document to be considered for adoption by Council on 16 October will be available on the website a week in advance of the meeting.