Lancaster City Council seeks public opinion on its Local Plan

Lancaster City Council has formally published its new Local Plan and is seeking public opinion on whether it is ‘legally compliant and sound’.

Local authorities are required by law to prepare a Local Plan to set the local planning framework for their area.

The plan, which has been subject to extensive consultation, will guide development in the Lancaster district until at least 2031.

The final draft plans for just over 12,000 new homes across the district and also includes details of where new housing and employment sites will be built to help create potentially 9,500 new jobs.

It also includes land allocations for the open spaces, shops and community facilities necessary to create places people want to live, work and do business.

Councillors formally approved publication of the Local Plan in December and there is now an eight week period in which people can comment on the final documents before they are submitted for examination by an independent planning inspector.

Coun Janice Hanson, cabinet member with responsibility for planning and regeneration, said: “It is important to remember that the Local Plan is about the future.

“Today’s circumstances will not be tomorrow’s and we need to lift our eyes to the horizon. This plan looks ahead to where today’s children will live, work and raise families in 20-25 years.

“It sets out a strong vision for the future and one which I believe will enable people to thrive and prosper, wherever they live in the district.”

The Local Plan documents, supporting information and details on how to comment are available at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ppc.

The deadline for responses is 5pm on Friday April 6.

Anyone who doesn’t have access to the website can contact Lancaster City Council for a representation form:

Email: planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk
Tel: 01524 582383
Post: Regeneration and Planning, Planning and Housing Policy Team, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster Town Hall, PO Box 4, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ