An independent inspector to run the rule over a planning blueprint designed to shape the future of South Ribble for the next 15 years.
South Ribble Borough Council has been working on a new local plan for the borough and submitted the document to the government in October 2012.
Now a planning inspector will examine the local plan at a public hearing in March 2013, when people who have submitted formal representations will have an opportunity to put their case. The Planning Inspectorate has appointed Susan Heywood as the inspector who will conduct the examination and decide if the document is 'sound' and complies with legal requirements. If necessary, final amendments will then be made and the council will be in a position to formally adopt the new local plan.
The full public examination hearings will start on Tuesday 5 March, at 10am, at the Civic Centre, and are expected to last for about eight days, spread over a three-week period. The exact dates will be confirmed shortly.
The local plan, known as the Local Development Framework, identifies around 100 potential sites for future housing, employment, infrastructure and green spaces in South Ribble which were considered during previous consultations.
Once adopted, the LDF will give the council the power to manage the economic growth of the borough, protect and maintain our open spaces and tackle existing planning issues in a co-ordinated manner.