Published: 28/09/2022
COPELAND Council has submitted the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for a Public Examination.
The examination process, which will be led by a Planning Inspector, will consider the proposed Local Plan, and all supporting evidence including assessments, and responses to public consultations. It will determine whether the Local Plan is legally compliant and sound - and make recommendations if needed.
Once the examination process is completed, it is hoped that the Local Plan will be adopted in mid to late 2023 - guiding development and investment in the borough until 2038.
Local Plans are used to help decide on planning applications and other planning related decisions. They are the local guide to what can be built where, shaping infrastructure investments and setting out the vision for development in the borough. The Local Plan sets out a sustainable development strategy and identifies which areas of land could be suitable for residential or employment use.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, commented on the major milestone for the council: “Public consultations have been running periodically for more than two years on the Local Plan, and feedback from Copeland’s residents, visitors and businesses is crucial to shaping the future of our borough.
“This will all be taken into account by an independent Planning Inspector, alongside evidence and assessments overseen by our dedicated strategic planning team.
“I’d like to commend their team for their commitment and dedication for getting it to this stage, and I’d like to thank everyone who took their time to feedback on the proposals during the numerous rounds of consultation.
“The Local Plan is integral to driving investment and development in Copeland and I’m delighted that we’ve now reached this important milestone.”
The examination process is expected to last until summer 2023 and further details can be found at www.copeland.gov.uk/content/copeland-local-plan-2021-2038-examination
