Notice of Intention to Commence Local Plan Preparation

In accordance with The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, Part 4 Regulation 19 Ribble Valley Borough Council (“the Council”), as Local Planning Authority, hereby gives notice of its intention to commence preparation of a new Local Plan.

The Local Plan will be known, throughout the plan-making process, as the Ribble Valley Local Plan.

The Ribble Valley Local Plan will cover the current administrative area of Ribble Valley, ONS E07000124 as shown on the map below.

Map of Ribble Valley

The Council expects to start the 30-month plan preparation process on 14 September 2026 as set out in the Local Plan Timetable which takes effect from 14 May 2026. 

The Local Plan Timetable extends beyond 01 April 2028 which is the proposed date for the new unitary authorities covering Lancashire to formally come into effect. This means that the Council will prepare and submit the Local Plan for examination but final adoption will need to be undertaken by the new unitary council that covers the Ribble Valley area.

Upon formal adoption the Ribble Valley Local Plan will replace the following Local Development Plan Documents:

  • Ribble Valley Core Strategy: A Local Plan for Ribble Valley (2008-2028) – Adopted Dec 2014
  • Ribble Valley Housing and Economic Development DPD (2008-2028) – Adopted Nov 2019
  • Ribble Valley Proposal’s Map – Adopted November 2019

The Ribble Valley Local Plan will not address matters in relation to waste and minerals, which remain the joint responsibility of Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

This Notice and the associated Local Plan Timetable are available to view on Ribble Valley Borough Council’s webpage. Copies are also made available for inspection at:

  • Ribble Valley Borough Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe, BB7 2RA during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:45am to 5pm)
  • All libraries within the Ribble Valley during normal working hours. Please view our library locations and opening times here

The documents will remain available to view until the expiry of a minimum period of three months beginning with the day after the date on which the Local Plan is adopted.

To request paper copies or to seek further information please contact Ribble Valley’s Planning Policy Team by e-mail: localplanconsultation@ribblevalley.gov.uk; telephone: 01200 425111 or post: Ribble Valley Borough Council Offices, Church Walk, Clitheroe, BB7 2RA

Nicola Hopkins
Director of Economic Development and Planning
14 May 2026