Pendle’s Local Plan has been submitted to the Secretary of State

 

When it is formally adopted – hopefully later this year – it will help to guide development and growth in the borough up to 2040.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “The Local Plan sets out the vision, objectives, development strategy, site specific allocations and development management policies that will provide the framework for development, growth and investment in Pendle for the next 15 years.

“As part of the statutory Development Plan, the Local Plan will be used daily by planning officers to help them decide whether to approve or refuse applications for planning permission.

“After three years of hard work by our planning officers, and taking into account feedback from residents, businesses and interested parties, the Local Plan is now with the Secretary of State and an independent inspector has been appointed to have a thorough look at what is being proposed for Pendle.”

Submission of the Local Plan marks the beginning of a public examination process.

These are the next stages, although all timings are provisional.

• March/April – The inspector will request hearing statements from Pendle Borough Council and any objectors to the Local Plan if further evidence is needed.
• May/June – Hearing sessions, which are open to the public, will be held locally. They will consider any potentially contentious matters in detail.
• Summer – There will be a six-week public consultation to consider any changes the inspector recommends are made to the Local Plan before it can be adopted. After the consultation the inspector will issue their final report.
• Autumn – The Council will consider the inspector’s report. Pendle Borough Council will adopt the Local Plan, if it accepts the inspector’s recommendations.

All documents relating to the Local Plan are available to view at Number One Market Street, Nelson and the Examination webpage  https://programmeofficers.co.uk/pendle