Local Plan (Fourth Edition)
Introduction to the Pendle Local Plan
The Pendle Local Plan Fourth Edition 2021-2040 (the Local Plan) was formally adopted at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 18 December 2025.
The Local Plan now forms part of the statutory development plan for Pendle and will be used in the determination of planning applications with immediate effect.
You can view a copy of the adopted Local Plan in the ‘Documents and Links’ section.
Reference copies of the Local Plan are available to view at public libraries throughout the borough and Number One Market Street, Nelson during their normal opening hours.
What is the Local Plan?
The Local Plan sets out the strategic planning policies the Council will use to help guide development to the most sustainable locations in the period to 2040. Specifically, it establishes:
- a settlement hierarchy based on the size, population and range of services they available in our towns and villages
- how the amount of new development that is proposed should be distributed across Pendle.
- how many new homes should be built in different parts of the borough.
- how much employment land should be developed.
- a broad framework for the protection and enhancement of our natural and historic environments.
The Local Plan also sets out detailed development management policies, which are used to help determine applications for planning permission. Specific sites are allocated for housing and employment, and protects sites designated for their biodiversity, landscape or historic interest from specific forms of development.
For information on how the Local Plan was prepared, view the Local Plan Previous Stages page.