Decision details

The Executive Leader presented the confidential report of the Director of Business, Development and Growth which sought approval for the proposals to undertake a review of the Central Lancashire Local Development Plan (currently known as the ‘Core Strategy’ of the Local Development Framework) including the allocation of a budget and commitment to continue to work as part of Central Lancashire partnership.

Decision:

1.    Approval granted to work in collaboration as Central Lancashire (Preston, Chorley and South Ribble) to develop and submit for approval to Secretary of State, a shared Central Lancashire Local Development Plan (or ‘Local Plan’).

2.    Approval granted to a budget of at least £234,000 for Chorley Councils share of the total anticipated costs over the two year period.

3.    Approval granted to be lead of the three councils on the project including the recruitment and management of the temporary staff and coordination of the overall programme and examination in public.

Reasons for recommendation(s):

To ensure the Local Plan review is undertaken and a new local development plan adopted, which will inform future development in the borough and ensure it is sustainable and meets local needs.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Do nothing. Should the council decide not to progress the review of the Local Development Plan, the policies will become out of date and this means that the weight to be attached to policies in the plan would be significantly reduced and that policies within national policy framework (NPPF) including ‘the presumption in favour of sustainable development’ would take precedence. It would be more difficult to defend applications which are not in accordance with policy such as safeguarded land or greenbelt.