16 February 2007, 07/58
How do you want to be consulted on planning
issues?
West Lancashire District Council is inviting residents to have
their say on an important new planning document - the Statement of
Community Involvement (SCI).
The SCI sets out how the Council's Planning Department intends to
involve the community in the preparation of new planning policy
documents and in making decisions on planning applications. The
Council understands that many people in the District may be
unfamiliar with the planning process and the SCI therefore helps to
explain the Council's planning services and highlights how the
community can get involved.
Consultation took place on the initial draft of the SCI in autumn
2006, and several residents and organisations took the opportunity
to make comments. The Council carefully considered these comments
and, as a result, a number of changes have been made to the
document.
Cllr Ian Grant, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: "Planning in
the District affects everyone and the Statement of Community
Involvement is a particularly important document as it will form
part of the Council's Local Development Framework, and sets out
future guidelines for involving the community in the development of
the District.
"The Council has a history of listening to the people of West
Lancashire and changes have already been made to the original
document following the initial consultation.
"It will be an independent Inspector, rather than the Council, who
will decide how to deal with any comments made during this next
stage of consultation and I would urge residents to take the chance
to view the document and voice any further opinions or
ideas."
The SCI will be available for consultation for a 6 week period from
Thursday 22 February to Wednesday 4 April. All comments will be
forwarded to a Planning Inspector who will consider what changes,
if any, need to be made to the document, and whether it can then be
adopted.
Copies of the document can be seen in the Planning Policy section,
where a new online service allows you to view the draft documents,
submit comments online, and even access other peoples' views.
Copies will also be available at Council offices at 52 Derby Street
and local libraries across the District.
Should you require any further information please contact a member
of the Planning Policy team on 01695 585274, or email stephen.benge@westlancsdc.gov.uk.
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