Progress Made So Far

First Issues and Options Consultation

The first Central Lancashire Core Strategy Issues and Options Paper was published for consultation for a thirteen week period ending on 30 March 2007. Various methods of consultation were undertaken, including the development of this website, a publicity leaflet and information in the authorities’ libraries, leisure centres and reception areas of council offices.

An article was placed in the Lancashire Evening Post and local community newspapers, detailing the consultation on the Core Strategy Issues and Options paper and information on where it was available.  A separate questionnaire was sent out to schools in the area, asking pupils for their views on the Issues and Options Paper.

Public ‘drop in’ forums were held in each of the three areas, and specialist forums were held with stakeholders, local businesses and community groups. Officers’ also explained the Core Strategy and the Issues and Options Paper consultation process at community groups and Area Forums throughout the Central Lancashire area.

First Issues and Options Responses

100 responses to the main questionnaire and 87 responses to the schools’ questionnaire were received. Of the 100 main responses, 17 were received online. In addition, a number of detailed written responses were received. A summary of those responses can be seen here.

All of the responses can be viewed by Clicking here

Second Issues and Options Consultation

The purpose of the second Issues and Options paper is to address particular points raised in some of the consultation responses to the first Paper.  In particular, Paper 2 identifies the places or communities that make up the Central Lancashire (Preston, Chorley and South Ribble) area, and sets out some spatial options as to how new growth and investment may be accommodated.

Consultation on the second Issues and Options paper began on 2nd November 2007 and ran until 31st January 2008.  Full copies of the responses received will be able to be viewed on this website by following this link.  A copy of the press release can be viewed here.

The Preferred Core Strategy

The Preferred Core Strategy builds upon the previous Issue & Options stages of the project. It sets out the long term vision, policies, objectives and strategies for Central Lancashire. It details how the area will grow, how services will be provided and how the environment and character of the area will be enhanced and protected. A diagram showing the stages of preparation for the Core Strategy is available. Please click here to view. 

The Preferred Core Strategy is now available to view by clicking here. 

Details of how our community engagement programme went, press releases and photographs of some of our events have been added to the community engagement section of the website.  Representations that were submitted during the consultation can be viewed here.

The next stage.....

A number of changes have occurred since the publication of the Preferred Core Strategy in September 2008 which have meant that it is now necessary to re-visit and update some aspects of the document.  These changes are outlined below.

Firstly, the three Central Lancashire authorities, along with Blackpool have now committed to the Government's Growth Point initiative which is designed to support local communities who wish to pursue sustainable growth including accelerated housing provision. It is therefore important that the commitment to Growth Point is expressed in future work.

Since the publication of the Preferred Core Strategy the economic downturn has affected the local economy and has changed what, at least in the short term can be delivered in terms of the scale of development.  These uncertain and changing economic times need to be taken account of, and more flexibility is being built into the strategy.

Our evidence base has also expanded since the publication of the Preferred Core Strategy and the newly completed pieces of work such as the the SHMA need to be taken account of.

Should you have any questions please contact the Central Lancashire LDF Team.