Councillors to consider adopting Pendle’s Local Plan

Pendle Borough Council’s Local Plan Fourth Edition 2021 – 2040 has been found to be both legally compliant and sound by the Planning Inspector following some minor modifications. 

Councillors will discuss the proposed amendments and vote on whether, or not, to adopt Pendle’s Local Plan.

If adopted, the Local Plan will become part of the statutory development plan for the borough helping to inform decisions on planning applications.

It will also ensure that sufficient land has been allocated to meet Pendle’s housing, employment and other development needs up to 2040 and any future proposals for development are sustainable and beneficial to the area.

It promotes good design, supports development proposals that address the climate emergency, helping the Council to move towards a net zero carbon position, and encourages active travel and healthier lifestyles.

Councillor David Whipp, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “The Local Plan is Pendle’s most important planning document.

“I welcome its completion – it has been a very lengthy process!

“The Local Plan sets out how the borough should be developed up to 2040, shaping what Pendle would look like for the next generation and beyond. 

“Adoption of the plan would provide the Council with the ability to manage growth strategically and avoid speculative development.

“It identifies land that we want to protect from development because it is highly valued by the local community or important for biodiversity and landscape character.”

Evidence compiled whilst developing the Plan means that the Council has been able to set a realistic housing requirement of 148 new homes per year – much lower than the Government’s figure of 334.

Councillor Lola Whipp, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Local Planning and Infrastructure, added: “Our strategy seeks to ensure that Pendle is an attractive place for people to live, work and visit.

“The Inspector’s report recognises that Pendle’s Local Plan strikes an appropriate balance between the area’s development needs and safeguarding the environment.

"This lower housing figure recognises the need for new housing while also recognising the need for Pendle to improve and adapt its existing homes, for communities to grow sustainably, and not into the open countryside that makes Pendle such a great place to live."

Councillor David Whip added: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the public consultations, helping to shape this hugely important document for the borough.

“The Inspector’s report confirms that the Council has engaged positively with the local community to ensure that they’ve had the opportunity to have their views heard throughout the process.

“This Plan is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainable development, ensuring improved living conditions and greater opportunities for all residents.”

Neil Watson, Assistant Director, Planning, Building Control and Regulatory Services, said: “We’ve been working on the Local Plan for a number of years, and we’re pleased that the process is now coming to an end.

“It’s important for us to have a Local Plan in place as it allows the Council to make decisions based on providing the right amount of development in the right areas.”

Notes to editors
Government legislation requires all local planning authorities to prepare a local plan for their area.

On adoption the Pendle Local Plan Fourth Edition 2021-2040 will become part of the statutory Development Plan for the borough and will be used to guide decisions on whether to approve or refuse applications for planning permission.

The Pendle Local Plan identifies Trough Laithe, between Nelson and Barrowford as a strategic housing site and an extension to the successful Lomeshaye Industrial Estate to the west of Nelson for employment.

The Pendle Local Plan and all supporting documents can be viewed or downloaded from the Council’s website at www.pendle.gov.uk/lpexamination