Have your say on future development

PEOPLE living and working in West Lancashire can still have their say on important early work that will guide how the borough develops in the future.

The borough council is working on a new Local Plan which will cover everything from where new homes, employment sites and retail and leisure facilities should be situated to policy statements addressing matters such as local services and the environment.

The current Local Plan covers up to 2027 and the council is in the early stages of forming the next plan.

It is asking people to comment on a number of significant topics which will shape how the plan develops. Topics include: How much housing and employment land development will be required each year.

What period of time the Local Plan should cover.

How new development should be spread across the borough.

Consideration of the infrastructure required to support new development.

In total there are five options that residents can read and give their views on.

They also cover other important issues such as the economy, the environment and social issues such as affordable housing and providing for an ageing population.

John Harrison, director of development and regeneration, said: “I would urge people living and working in West Lancashire to take part in this consultation as this will influence how the new Local Plan takes shape.

“We have already had many responses to the consultation but there is still time to have your say.”

The public consultation is running until Friday, April 28, and you can view all the relevant documents and complete the survey form at www.westlancs.gov.uk/ localplan.

If you are unable to gain access to the survey online you can also send your written comments to localplan@ westlancs.gov.uk, or Local Plan Team, West Lancashire Borough Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF.

You can also see the documents at the council offices at 52 Derby St, Ormskirk, and the customer service point at the Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale, as well as at libraries.

Public consultation events have taken place around the borough.

A further evening, for which places must be booked, will take place at Tarleton Academy in Tarleton on Wednesday, April 12, 7-9pm.

To book a place at this event, or for further information on the consultation, please call the council’s Local Plan team on 01695 585194.

All reasonable comments received will be considered in preparing the Local Plan.