How to have a say on local planning issues

WEST Lancashire Borough Council is seeking opinions on when it should consult residents on planning matters.

The council is required by law to consult certain people on various aspects of planning.

For example, it needs to notify neighbours about planning applications.

Also when preparing planning policy documents, it has to take the views of local residents and other interested parties into account.

The council has prepared a new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

This document sets out how it will involve people in the planning process, whether in developing policy, dealing with planning applications, considering works to trees or appraising conservation areas.

The council said that keeping to the SCI is an important consideration when testing whether it is carrying out its planning function satisfactorily.

The council wants to hear views on the draft document during a public consultation which is running until Thursday, April 9.

Cllr David Evans, the portfolio holder for planning, said, “This council is always interested in hearing the views of the residents of West Lancashire, and of those with an interest in the area.

“Planning services regularly consult stakeholders, and we want to make sure we continue to engage with people in the most effective way possible.

“The consultation exercise provides residents with a chance to give their views.”

For information on how to share your views, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/ planningpolicy from Thursday, February 27 and click on the link to the Statement of Community Involvement, or call the council on 01695 585192.