Residents Invited to Have Their Say on Planning

Ribble Valley Borough Council's Draft Core Strategy sets out a suggested vision for the area and a set of objectives that will guide development over the next 15 years.

It contains key statements on a wide variety of issues, such as where new development might take place, affordable housing, commerce, employment, the environment and transport.

It builds on a widespread consultation that took place in the borough in 2007, in which Ribble Valley residents were asked their opinions on the main issues facing the area.

Richard Sherras, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's planning and development committee, said: "National rules for planning and development are put in place by the Government, but it is the responsibility of local councils and their communities to devise detailed plans for their areas.

"Ribble Valley Borough Council aims to take the opinions of as many local people as possible into account, before finalising the Core Strategy, so we are inviting residents to make their views known."

The Core Strategy will eventually form part of Ribble Valley Borough Council's Local Development Framework - a portfolio of themed documents setting out future strategic land-use.

The framework emphasises the need for community involvement in the preparation of strategies and the council is therefore keen to receive the views of residents.

The consultation ends on Wednesday, October 20, and copies of the Core Strategy or an introductory brochure are available from the Ribble Valley Council Offices in Church Walk, Clitheroe, or libraries throughout Ribble Valley. A CD is available on request.

Further details are available from Ribble Valley Borough Council on 01200 425111.

Ends.

Ref: PR4210.

Date: August 24 2010.