Published: 14/01/2020
TIME is running out for Copeland residents to comment on a consultation that will help shape the future of the borough.
Members of the public have until Monday, January 20 to give their views to Copeland Council on a host of strategic issues including housing, employment, retail, energy, tourism and transport.
The council is consulting as it reviews its Local Plan, a document which forms the development framework for the borough and guides decision-makers over the next 15 years. This ‘issues and options’ consultation is the first stage and will play a key part in the production of the document.
Issues under consultation include the number of new-build homes the council should be aiming for, the locations and boundaries in which development should take place, and town centre regeneration. Other issues include the environment, heritage assets and communications.
Pat Graham, Copeland Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Our strategy is for investment and growth in our borough; the Local Plan will establish what that looks like on the ground and to ultimately facilitate development. This is one of the most important documents the council will produce. We are looking forward to developing an effective and robust Local Plan for the borough.
“It’s vitally important that business and residents get involved at this ‘issues and options' stage, by considering our proposals and giving your feedback and alternatives. It’s your chance to have your say on how Copeland will develop over the next decade and beyond.”
The online document and questionnaire are available at https://www.copeland.gov.uk/content/copeland-local-plan and hard copies are available in Copeland Council’s offices in Whitehaven and Millom and in all the borough’s libraries.
Further to the Local Plan consultation, Copeland Council is also inviting landowners to nominate land that may be suitable for housing. This ‘Call for Sites’ process also runs until January 20, 2020, and landowners who have sites that have not already been submitted to the council (through the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment or Local Plan process) are invited to do so via www.copeland.gov.uk/content/strategic-housing-land-availability-assessment.
For further information on either process, contact the Strategic Planning team on 01946 598434/598435 or ldf@copeland.gov.uk.
