Public have their say on where to build

Pendle Council's Planning Department has received another huge response to its latest public consultation

Over the last six weeks, over one thousand people have let the Council know their views on 50 site suggestions sent to the Council last summer.

These comments, together with those from an earlier public consultation, will be used to help the Council select the best sites for development over the next 10 to 15 years.

They will also help to identify areas where development would not be appropriate.

In total, 213 sites have been put forward for consideration by local residents, landowners and developers.

Councillor David Clegg, Pendle Council's planning lead, said:

"Land is a precious resource.

"The local knowledge of people who live and work in Pendle is important in helping us to make sure that only the most suitable sites will be considered for development in the future.

"Whilst some proposals have received significant levels of public opposition, all the suggestions we have received must be carefully considered before the Council can decide which sites it will take forward to the next stage."

He added:

"It will take Council staff several months to carefully consider each of the 213 site proposals, together with any letters of objection or support that have been received.

"External consultants will also carry out a process known as Sustainability Appraisal, which will consider the economic, social and environmental impact of the various site proposals."

John Halton from Pendle Council's Planning Policy Team added:

"To help keep people up-to-date with what is happening, we will be including regular features in our newsletter Framework. Copies are emailed to everyone on our database and available on the Council's website and at Council shops and local libraries throughout Pendle.

"We'll also be publishing updates on the Council's website at www.pendle.gov.uk/landuseallocations."

Pendle Council will only select those sites that help to deliver the objectives set out in its Core Strategy.

This is the key document that will guide all new development in Pendle over the next 15 years.

The Council's preferred option for its Core Strategy will be published for public comment this summer.

Once the results of this public consultation are known, the Council will select a range of sites that help to deliver its strategic objectives.

The public will then have the chance to comment on the sites the Council proposes to allocate for development, or protect from development.

Details of these will be found in the preferred options report for the Land-use Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD), which will be published towards the end of the year.