Diary of current activities
Draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2009
We've developed a new draft licensing policy for
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators.
The draft policy statement has been established to provide clear
guidance to the taxi trade, as well as the travelling public, and
represents a significant review of all policies and practices
relevant to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing regime.
All views on the draft policy are welcome - deadline for
comments is 11 September 2009.
Housing Land Availability Assessment
(SHLAA)
The SHLAA is a joint study being carried out by West
Lancs Council in partnership with neighbouring
authorities (external link) and led by Sefton Council. The
study looks at how much land could potentially be available for
housing over the coming years. The consultants have now
produced a draft report, which is available for public consultation
until 16 July 2009.
Draft West Lancashire Heritage Strategy
A draft of the West Lancashire Heritage Strategy has now been
produced and we want your views. The strategy aims to provide an
overview of how we will undertake our duty to
preserve the historic environment of the borough and promote
awareness of the value of our shared heritage. The consultation is
open until Friday 26 June.
Employment Land Study
Give your views on a draft study relating to employment land
that is being undertaken by consultants. The study considers a list
of sites drawn up following a “Call for Sites” last year when local
people and businesses were invited to submit ideas for land and
premises that they thought might be suitable business use. The
closing date for comments is 9 July 2009.
Housing Study
West Lancs residents are being invited to give their views on
housing issues in a special survey. The survey is completely
confidential and is being carried out on the Council’s behalf by
Fordham Research, an experienced and independent consultant
specialising in housing issues. Survey forms will be delivered by
post to thousands of homes in all parts of the borough from 12 June
and must be returned by 24 July in the pre-paid envelope
provided.
- If you have a query about the survey contact Fordham Research
on (0800) 163 231 (The call will be free of charge.)
- Read the press
release about the housing study
The recession: how is your business
affected?
As you know, the country is facing difficult economic times and
businesses across West Lancs will of course be affected. It would
useful for the Council to have feedback on how you are managing
your business during the recession and what steps you are taking to
continue competing in the market place. Have you been forced to
downsize? Are your staff on short time? Or have you been able to
exploit opportunities presented by the recession?
If you would like to share your views on this, please post a
comment on our "Let's Talk Business" Forum. Your responses will be
kept confidential and will be used to gather intelligence about
businesses in the district.
What do you think of our website?
Answer ten quick questions to tell us what you think of our
website. Your comments will help us make it even better.
Services first
Give your views on the Council’s priorities.
Do you think we’ve got it right? Tell us what you think to help us
make sure our priorities match yours.
Planning applications
You can give your views on any planning
application on which a decision has not yet been made.
Planning policy
consultation
A wide range of consultations
are being carried out
on the Council's emerging
Local Development Framework (LDF). In 2009 this will
include the housing and employment land studies and the
options for the LDF
Development Control Customer Satisfaction
Surveys
To monitor the satisfaction of Development Control customers,
surveys are sent monthly to applicants who submitted planning
applications, neighbours who were consulted on planning
applications, and to members of the public who have made complaints
regarding possible breaches of planning control. Results of the
surveys will be published when all data has been collated and
analysed.
Building Control Satisfaction Surveys
Building Control are reintroducing satisfaction surveys for all
customers who receive a completion certificate. Surveys will be
sent out from 1 April 2009 and the results will be published in the
future.
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