House building in our borough

We were astonished to learn in December that the Secretary of State, Michael Gove MP considered that a number of planning applications refused by Chorley's Planning Committee, then overturned by a Planning Inspector was too high.

The council was then placed under designation, a decision which ignores the numerous meetings held and letters sent over the years from us and the MP for Chorley, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, to explain the negative impact that their planning decisions have had on the borough.

Our job is to ensure that development, which helps to keep the borough a vibrant place, creates more jobs and provides homes for future generations, is done in a planned way so that infrastructure can keep up. 

What does designation mean? 

Under designation, eligible major planning applicants can go directly to the Secretary of State, at which point the Planning Inspectorate will handle the applications on their behalf. 

This would bypass the local democratically elected decision-making powers of the Chorley Planning Committee. 

Our ongoing fight for a fair deal for Chorley 

We've been really honest with people that we have been fighting speculative development with one hand tied behind our back. We are not anti-development - far from it - we just think it should be locally led. 

This is proven by our consistent homebuilding programme in line with government policy, meeting our target figures which are higher than neighbouring areas. 

We will continue to prioritise a plan-led approach to development to provide certainty to communities about where local development will be, and what infrastructure is needed to make it sustainable. We'll also continue to do all we can to protect our environment and make the most out of our precious available land.  

What can you do to help? 

Please take an active part in consultation when it comes to planning applications and the Local Plan process.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this and your continued support for Chorley.