The Local Plan, formerly known as the Local Development Framework, contains a number of different documents.
The Wigan Local Plan will, in time, replace the Unitary Development Plan.
The main part of the Local Plan is the Core Strategy. It sets out the spatial strategy for the borough and contains strategic development policies. All other local plans should be in conformity with the Core Strategy.
We submitted our Core Strategy to the Secretary of State in September 2011 for independent examination. The examination was reconvened in March 2013 following a period of suspension from May to December 2012. Following the reconvened examination, the independent Inspector is now consulting on proposed modifications to the Core Strategy.
A Greater Manchester Joint Waste Plan and a Greater Manchester Joint Minerals Plan have been prepared with other districts in Greater Manchester.
An Allocations and Development Management Local Plan is proposed to follow the adoption of the Core Strategy. This Plan will incorporate the work already undertaken on the Wigan Central Area Action Plan and the Leigh Central Area Action Plan.
Further planning policy advice is set out in Supplementary Planning Documents and Supplementary Planning Guidance and other guidance.
We are committed to involving the community and other stakeholders in the planning policy preparation process. Our overall approach is set out in our Statement of Community Involvement.
The programme for each document in the Local Plan is set out in our Local Development Scheme.
Each document needs to be informed by a robust and credible Evidence Base and a Sustainability Appraisal. Our Annual Monitoring Report is an important part of the evidence base.
