Join the conversation and help shape the future of Ribble Valley
The council wants you to have your say
Ribble Valley Borough Council has launched the first stage of consultation on a new Local Plan that will guide how the area grows and changes over the next decade and beyond – and it wants people to “join the conversation.”
The council wants to understand the priorities that residents, businesses, community groups and other organisations feel are most important to their local communities before detailed planning policies and site allocations are developed.
The scoping consultation was launched on Friday, July 3rd, and will continue until Friday, August 14th. The council is also seeking feedback on the best ways to involve people throughout the Local Plan process, with the aim of drawing on local knowledge, understanding community priorities, and building consensus.
Councillor Lee Street, chairman of the council’s planning and development committee, said: “At this stage we’re not asking for views on specific sites or draft planning policies. That will come later in the process. For now, we want to understand the priorities for the future of our borough and how the Local Plan can address and support them.
“We want people who know Ribble Valley best to join the conversation so we have a clear picture before we get into more detailed conversations and having to make what can be some very difficult decisions.
“Whether you want to see more affordable housing, better support for businesses and creating jobs, more protection for the countryside, tackling climate change, improving transport and the road network, or ensuring our towns and villages remain vibrant places to live, work and visit, the Local Plan plays a major role in all of these things.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Ribble Valley to get involved and follow the Local Plan process. It is an often detailed and complex procedure, but it is important to everyone. We will update the information on the council website as it becomes available.”
The council has vowed to consider all responses before preparing the next stage of the Local Plan.