To read and comment on this document go to the online Consultation Portal (external link).
To help guide you, we have split this document into several successive parts. Each part is based on the evidence gathered to date. These are:
- the spatial portrait of the borough, which is a ‘picture’ of the borough as it is now, in words. It sets out the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the borough in a spatial form.
- the key issues facing the borough, based on the evidence we have.
- the key sources of evidence that we have used and the key requirements arising from that evidence, for housing, employment land, retailing and open space.
- our long-term spatial vision for the borough up to 2026, to resolve the key issues.
- our spatial objectives to achieve that vision.
- distinct and deliverable spatial options for development, conservation and protection that might achieve our spatial objectives.
- thematic options for the type and standard of development we could have regardless of the spatial strategy that is chosen.
- the ‘next steps’ that looks beyond the ‘issues and options’ stage to what happens next.
- a summary of how to get involved.
We want to know if you agree or disagree with how we have described the borough (the spatial portrait); with the key issues that we have identified; with our vision of what we want the borough to be in 2026; with our objectives for how that vision will be achieved; and with the spatial options and thematic options for meeting those objectives. Have we missed any key issues or got any of them wrong? Do you support or disagree with any of the options or are there other options that we should consider?
How to view and submit your comments online via the Consultation Portal
You can view the Issues and Options document, submit your comments and view other people’s comments on line via the Consultation Portal (external link). You can also download our comments form (.pdf, 48Kb) and post it to us at the address below. You can also email us at planningpolicy@wigan.gov.uk.
The Issues and Options have been informed by an extensive evidence base. Our evidence to date has been summarised in a series of Topic Papers that inform the spatial portrait, key issues and spatial objectives in the Core Strategy Issues and Options document.
The options also include summaries of the sustainability appraisal undertaken to date. There is further information in an interim sustainability appraisal report.
The results of the community and stakeholder involvement at this Issues and Options stage will add to our evidence base for preparation of our ‘Preferred Options’. This is the next stage in preparing the Core Strategy and is scheduled for Autumn 2008. There will be another opportunity for community and stakeholder involvement at the Preferred Options stage.
It is not until the following stage that we produce a draft plan. This is scheduled for Spring 2009. There will be a final opportunity to make representations at this stage.
All development plan documents have to be prepared in this way.
To read and comment on this document go to the online Consultation Portal (external link).
