This page gives information about consultation carried
out in 2009 and 2010.
Your West Lancashire 2027
From early September to mid October
2009, the Council asked people how they thought West
Lancashire should develop over the coming years to
2027. We received several hundred responses in writing from
many different individuals and groups. We also listened to a
variety of views from local people at a number of public meetings
("Spatial Forums") held across West Lancashire. The consultation
results helped the Council choose a "Preferred Option" for the
future development of the borough. There will be
extensive consultation on the preferred option during
2011.
Housing Allocations Policy
The Government requires all local authorities to have a Choice
Based Letting Scheme. In preparation for this, the Council reviewed
its Housing Allocations Policy and invited people to give their
views during Spring 2009. The new allocations policy was agreed and
came into effect in October 2009.
West Lancashire Economic Study
In October 2009 the Council published the West
Lancashire Economic Study prepared by consultants GVA
Grimley. The study was commissioned to allow West Lancashire
to continue to target resources to improve the economic performance
of the area.
Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLLA)
The SHLAA was carried out by West Lancs Council in
partnership with neighbouring
authorities (external link) and led by Sefton Council. The
study looked at how much land could potentially be available for
housing over the coming years. All the comments made on the draft
report were passed to the consultants and taken into account
as they prepared the final report.
- Find more information about SHLAA and
read the final report
Residential Development Policy
The Council adopted a new interim
housing policy on 21 July 2010. The policy allows for market
housing in most of the borough’s settlements. It aims to
maintain a healthy supply of housing land and to secure more
affordable housing in the villages. Prior to its adoption,
consultation was carried out from 18 February to 18 March 2010.
Gambling Act 2005 Policy
West Lancashire Borough Council, acting as Licensing Authority,
under the Gambling Act 2005 must publish a statement of policy as
to how it will administer its responsibilities under the Act. The
Council's policy was revised in 2009, and having been approved on
19 January 2010, was published and came into force on 31 January
2010. The policy was subject to a 12 week consultation period
during the latter part of 2009, which involved all major
stakeholders in the gambling industry and the public of West
Lancashire
Licensed trade
The Council invited local people and businesses to comment on
the Licensing Policy - the document that sets out how the council
licenses the premises and people within its boundaries. From August
1 to October 31 2010, the council asked people to send in
their views on a revision to the policy, with the aim of
making sure it continues to reflect the opinions of residents and
businesses in the borough. The Council has now published its
revised licensing policy.
Older people
Older people attended special events where they gave their
views on how well local services meet their needs. As part of the
national Older People’s Day celebrations on 1 October, the West
Lancashire Older People’s Partnership Board staged two “Experience
Matters” events hosted by Dave Guest from BBC TV.
Further information will be provided as soon as it is
available.
Tenants' Conference
Council tenants were invited
to a special conference to give their views on local housing
services. The Tenants' Conference was held on Monday 11
October 2010 at Holland Hall Hotel, Up Holland.
Council Housing Finance
The Council has responded to the
Government's consultation paper that looks to change the
way that council housing is financed. The Council invited the
public to give their views and all the comments received were
considered when the Council discussed the matter at its
meeting on 23 June 2010.
Issues Questionnaire 2009
Consultation on the West Lancashire Core Strategy Issues
Questionnaire took place between December 2008 and January 2009.
Approximately 100 comments were received identifying a number of
issues that it was felt the Core Strategy should tackle. The
information collected through this questionnaire fed into the West
Lancashire Core Strategy Issues and Options Paper, published later
in 2009.
West Lancashire Heritage Strategy
Consultation on the draft West Lancashire Heritage Strategy
was carried out in summer 2009. The strategy aims to provide an
overview of how we will undertake our duty to
preserve the historic environment of the borough and promote
awareness of the value of our shared heritage. The revised strategy
was approved by Cabinet in September 2009.
Licensing Policy 2010
The Council developed a new licensing policy for Hackney
Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators, on which
we sought public opinion. The policy has been established to
provide clear guidance to the taxi trade, as well as the travelling
public. We analysed the 130 responses (including 2 petitions)
that were received and extended the consultation period. The
policy was given final approval by Council in February, and
came into force on 1 April 2010.
Richmond Park, Burscough
Local residents and schools gave their views about proposed
improvements to Richmond Park. A development programme was drawn up
in response to people's wishes and a number of improvements have
been carried out including demolition of the old pavilion,
installation of a new pavilion, tree management and
drainage improvements. Further improvements are planned.
Edge Hill University / West Lancs Borough Council
Forum
Edge Hill University and West Lancashire Borough Council have
established a special Forum to ensure they work together more
closely for the benefit of Ormskirk and the district as a whole.
The Forum brings together senior university board members and
district councillors to discuss issues of mutual concern and meets
four times a year.
Standards Committee
In Autumn 2009 the Council invited people to join its Standards
Committee, which promotes and maintains high standards of conduct
for the 54 Borough Councillors as well as all Parish Councillors
serving on 20 Parish Councils in its area.
Design Awards 2009
Thank you to everyone who sent in
nominations for the 2009 Design Awards. Judging has now taken
place and the winners have been revealed.
Overview and Scrutiny
The Council’s Overview and Scrutiny
Committee invited residents to submit ideas to be included in
their work programme for 2009/10. A number of topics were
suggested.
Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Leisure Trust
Update
In autumn 2009 we asked for your suggestions for how the
sports centres and swimming pools in the borough might be improved.
The feedback will help the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee to make improvements.
New play area at Summer Street, Skelmersdale
We invited a selection of play manufacturers to submit
designs for new play facilities in Summer Street, Ashurst. In
August 2009, the designs went on display and local residents and
children chose their favourite. Work began at the end of October to
install the new equipment in time for Christmas 2009.
Related information