Fylde residents will have their say on how the borough grows and changes over the next two decades, as the Council’s draft Local Plan to 2042 is published ahead of a key committee decision next week.
The draft Fylde Local Plan to 2042 Publication Version has been brought forward for consideration by the Executive Committee on Tuesday 23 June – a significant milestone in shaping where and how Fylde develops over the coming years. Extending ten years beyond the current adopted Local Plan, the new plan sets out a long-term vision that puts the protection of Fylde’s unique character and green spaces at its heart ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.
Crucially, no green belt land will be released for housing. Beloved community spaces – including Lowther Gardens, Fairhaven Lake and Gardens, Lytham Green, Memorial Park in Kirkham and the Green at Wrea Green – will be protected as strategically important Local Green Spaces for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. New policies will also safeguard existing natural features on development sites as far as possible, while stronger protections are introduced for some of Fylde’s most treasured natural assets, including Granny’s Bay and Church Scar, the dune coastal landscape and the beach.
The number of homes that Fylde must plan for is set by the government, and the Council is required to comply in order for the Local Plan to be approved. Around half of the homes needed over the plan period will come from existing sites already allocated in the current Local Plan, with new allocations making up the remainder. Employment land will largely draw on existing sites, with just one new site added.
Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This is a plan that reflects what makes Fylde special. We’ve listened carefully to our communities, and we’re committed to managing future growth in a way that protects our green spaces, our environment and the character of the places our residents love. The Government requires every council to identify land for development as part of its national drive to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, and we must meet those requirements for our Local Plan to be approved. With Local Government Reorganisation on the horizon, we are bringing forward this revised Local Plan now to do all we can locally to protect Fylde’s distinct identity and valued green spaces. I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation when it opens.”
If approved by the Executive Committee, a formal six-week public consultation on the Publication Version is expected to launch in late July – giving residents the chance to have their voice heard.
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