The Central Lancashire Local Plan (CLLP) has reached a key milestone following the Planning Inspectorate’s first review of the draft document.
The CLLP is a strategic plan for the areas of Chorley, Preston and South Ribble and sets out the three councils' approach to managing and delivering development (residential, employment and other infrastructure) and protecting the environment for the three districts between 2023 and 2041.
The draft document was submitted to government on 30 June 2025, and the government-appointed Inspectors have now issued their post‑hearing letter which outlines the further work required before the Local Plan can progress.
A request for further work is entirely standard and nationally, it is common for Local Plans to receive post‑hearing requirements before advancing to the next stage called Main Modifications.
The three councils have since responded to the Planning Inspectorate and have confirmed they will work to address the points made.
Councillor Colin Sharples, Cabinet Member for Planning and Licensing at South Ribble Borough Council said, “We have now received the Inspectors’ post‑hearings letter for the Central Lancashire Local Plan.
“It is entirely normal at this stage for Inspectors to set out further technical work needed to progress to Main Modifications and we are already working through the required tasks with colleagues at Chorley and Preston.
“This is a routine part of the examination process, and we remain on track to move towards the next stage.”
Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council said, “The CLLP is an important strategy which supports delivery of corporate ambitions and objectives, such as provision of affordable housing, tackling health and social inequalities and tackling the climate emergency.
“I am pleased with the progress so far and how the inspectors have consistently acknowledged the councils’ cooperation and professionalism throughout the hearings.”
A spokesperson for Preston Council said, “The response letter sets out our position to continue, and our focus is on dealing with those matters set out by the Planning Inspectorate.”
Inspectors have asked for additional clarification and refinement across several technical areas—an approach consistent with earlier stages of the examination, where they have routinely issued questions and sought further evidence.
Teams across the three Central Lancashire authorities, Chorley, Preston and South Ribble, are already progressing the work ahead of the next review.
You can find more information about the Local Plan at https://centrallocalplan.lancashire.gov.uk/