Agenda item

Report of the Central Lancashire Local Plan Co-ordinator attached.

The Central Lancashire Local Plan Co-ordinator, Carolyn Williams, presented a report which detailed the outcome findings of the Local Plan Issues and Options consultation which was undertaken between November 2019 and February 2020.

Members were informed that 1616 responses had been received from residents, housing developers, parish councils and community groups across Central Lancashire.

Responses to the consultation focused on the need for economic development in the area; more employment sites; fair distribution of housing across the area; a need for specialist housing; protection of the character of rural areas; and a need for additional infrastructure provisions.

Town and city centres and areas close to planned or existing transport links and employment zones were suggested as potential development sites by respondents.

A need to retain graduates from local universities such as UCLAN and to improve apprenticeship opportunities in Central Lancashire was also recognised in the consultation.

Support was expressed for sustainable transport options such as park-and-ride facilities, on-street electric vehicle charging and pedestrian-only zones in town and city centres.

There was also extensive support among respondents for Chorley and South Ribble A&E to be supported by local health hubs, which was acknowledged as important due to population increase.

Members were pleased to note that 593 responses to the Youth Questionnaire had been received.

In response to a query regarding the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the responses to the consultation, members were informed that there may be challenges in improving town centres and the retail sector. There may also be a need to assess housing and employment land studies, due to changes in working patterns and arrangements.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That

1.    the Central Lancashire Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Committee endorses the publication of the Outcomes Reports;

2.    stakeholders be notified that the outcomes reports have been published on the Central Lancashire Local Plan Website; and

3.    schools and colleges be written to thank them for responding to the youth questionnaire and invited to continue to engage with us going forward.