RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say on the future of housing and employment sites in Barrow borough. 

Barrow Borough Council is asking householders for their views on the second draft of its Local Plan which will guide development in the borough over the next 15 years. 

The council has launched a six week public consultation which closes on Friday September 4. 

Councillor Ann Thomson, chairwoman of the council’s Planning Committee said: “It is very important for people to have a look at the plan and let us know what they think as this plan will last for 15 years until 2031.” 

The Draft Local Plan document includes a target for the number of houses to be built in the borough over the next 15 years and identifies the preferred sites which can be developed to help meet that target. 

The plan also allocates some sites for other uses, such as open space and employment. 

The council would like to hear what people think about these proposals. Phil Huck, executive director of Barrow Borough Council said: “The Plan contains the council’s preferred options for policies and sites and we are asking people to come and find out where development will be taking place in the borough.” 

The plan is available to view on the council’s website at www.barrowbc.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/planning-policy-consultation/ and Barrow Borough Council will be holding public drop-in consultation events across the borough for people to view the Draft Local Plan and maps of the local area, speak to a planning officer and make comments. 

The public drop-in consultation events are:

Tuesday August 4, 4pm to 6pm at Ocean Road Community Centre, Walney 

Thursday August 6, 3.30pm to 6.30pm at Dalton Drill Hall 

Monday August 10, 4pm to 6pm at Rampside Village Hall 

Wednesday August 12, 10am to 3pm at The Forum, Barrow

Thursday August 13, 3pm to 6pm at Askam Community Centre 

Tuesday August 18, 4pm to 7pm at Buccleuch Hall, Lindal 

Thursday August 20 3pm to 6pm at Newton Village Hall