Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans she has to include local people in discussions on development in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire.

The government acknowledges the importance of engaging local communities in the planning process.

National planning policy and planning practice guidance is clear that when developing their local plan, local planning authorities should consult their local communities and ensure views are taken into account.

The guidance also makes clear that local planning authorities must publicise planning applications for a minimum of 21 days and must take any material matters raised into consideration when making a decision on the application.

As set out in the government’s response to plan-making reforms: consultation on implementation, which can be found on gov.uk here, we are committed to improving community engagement in plan-making. This will result in a more democratic plan-led system with planning decisions and local plans being informed by a larger and more diverse range of community views.