Local Plan: Scoping Issues and Options - Consultations

Have your say on Bolton Council's Draft Local Plan: Issues and Options scoping document

Bolton Council are starting a two-year journey to create a Local Plan, which will set out how our area should grow and develop in the future. Taking this time means we can listen to local people and stakeholders, gather the right evidence, and make sure the plan meets the needs of our community. The way we create the Local Plan follows Bolton Council’s Statement of Community Involvement, which is our commitment to involving local people in planning decisions.

How we consult on the Local Plan

The Issues and Options scoping stage is the first of three chances for you to have your say on the Local Plan. In this first stage of consultation, (under Regulation 18, Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations, 2012), we want to:

• explain how the Local Plan process works;
• give you a clear overview of the main topics and challenges; and
• hear your thoughts at this early stage through a short survey.

How has the Local Plan Issues and Options Scoping document been developed?

This Local Plan document is the ‘Issues and Options’ scoping stage. To develop this document we have spoken to different teams across the council, receiving over 100 responses from officers. Their ideas have helped shape what you see here today.  You can view the Issue and Options scoping document here.

Other useful documents and information
Alongside the Local Plan document, we’ve provided answers to some ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

We would also strongly recommend you watch this short video about the Local Plan Issues and Options scoping stage and why we want your views.

This survey is your opportunity to share your views, provide evidence, and sign up for updates as the Local Plan develops.

Survey

If you require a paper copy of the survey or would like support to complete the survey, please contact the consultation team on 01204 334875 or 01204 331450, leaving your name, address and telephone number and the name of the consultation you are interested in, ‘Local Plan’.

What will happen next?

In the next stage of consultation (autumn and winter, 2025), we will also hold in-person events across the borough.