Preston City Council is working jointly with Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council to produce a Central Lancashire Local Plan, covering the period through to 2041. Once adopted, this joint plan will supersede the individual local plans currently in place for each of the three authorities. The joint plan has already been through earlier consultation stages — Issues and Options, followed by Preferred Options. Because plan-making moves through several formal stages before adoption, always check the current stage directly on Preston City Council’s planning policy consultations page before relying on a specific timetable.
Housing allocation sites identified in the plan are more likely to gain permission for new housing, while land outside allocated sites (particularly green belt) faces a much higher policy bar. Green belt boundary reviews as part of joint plan-making can, in principle, move land in or out of green belt designation. Design and sustainability policies in the new plan will apply to extensions and new-builds alike.
Does the current Preston Local Plan still apply while the joint plan is being prepared?
Yes, existing adopted policies continue to apply until the new joint plan is formally adopted, though emerging policy is also given increasing weight.
Can I comment on the Central Lancashire Local Plan?
Yes, each formal consultation stage is open to public comment, details published on Preston City Council’s website when live.
How does the Local Plan affect my planning application now?
Officers assess current applications against currently adopted policy but will also weigh emerging policy where relevant.
Wignalls advises landowners and developers across Preston and Central Lancashire on site promotion, plan representations, and how emerging policy affects specific sites.
© Wignalls Chartered Surveyors 2026
Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.
