Labour in ‘big change’ pledge on Local Plan
WEST Lancs Labour says it will make “significant changes” to Local Plan proposals, including a cut in house building, after a public consultation.
The group says it is determined to listen to the public’s feedback and, as such, the next stage of the process is expected to see a sharp fall in the total number of houses to be built and the amount of Green Belt land being developed.
A consultation was held during autumn, including public events and online feedback, and Labour said the substantial response from residents has given sufficient evidence to address the issues raised.
Those behind the proposal described it as an ambitious vision for the borough, designed to attract investment and jobs and ensure that local voices had as much say on its future development as possible.
But with the proposal stretching to cover far as 2050, years longer than is required by law, many residents were alarmed by the scale of development.
The party’s leaders say the feedback of those who responded will be listened to by those at West Lancashire Borough Council.
In response to the consultation which closed in December, it said: “There will be a substantial reduction in housing numbers and further protections of green belt land.”
The authority has been working to evaluate the responses and reassess evidence in light of changes to government policy.
One criticism of the proposals was the inclusion of 6,000 homes to be built to meet the needs of the Liverpool city region, but the party said it would now strongly resist pressure from neighbouring authorities.
Cllr John Hodson, portfolio holder for planning, said, “We are now at the stage of the process where we are able to begin responding to residents’ views and demonstrate that any new Local Plan will be designed to put West Lancashire’s needs first.
“We can say with confidence that there will be a significant reduction in housing numbers, and a reduced impact on the green belt. We will ensure that there are better protections against unwanted development such as encroachment upon the green belt or significant housing developments where infrastructure is lacking.
“Finally, we will strongly resist pressure from neighbouring authorities to build for their housing needs, so that the next Local Plan is focused on building for the needs of West Lancashire residents.”
An updated proposal will next be compiled by the council’s Local Plan Working Group which will then go before another public consultation.