Pendle Borough Council
Market Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7LG
Tel: 01282 661661 Fax: 01282 661130
Planning in Pendle
The planning system regulates the development and use of land in the public interest. A key role of the planning system is to enable the provision of homes, investment and jobs, vibrant town centres and recreational/tourist facilities whilst at the same time protecting the natural environment. In regulating the use of land all social, economic and environmental factors must be taken into account. This requires a framework which promotes consistent, predictable and prompt decision making.
At the heart of this framework are Development Plans. These aim to give a measure of certainty and predictability to the planning system. Under the current planning system, Section 54A of the 1990 Act requires all applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the Development Plan for the area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
In Pendle the planning section operates within the Planning and Building Control service area of Pendle Borough Council. Within planning there are three main functions; Development Plans and Policy, Development Control and Conservation.
Development Plans and Policy
The Government is committed to a plan-led system of Development Control which means that all planning applications should be determined in accordance with the Development Plan for an area, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Thus it is important that Development Plans are kept up-to-date.
The Development Plan for Pendle comprises the Lancashire Structure Plan, the Pendle Local Plan and the Local Minerals and Waste Plan. Pendle Borough Council are responsible for preparing the Pendle Local Plan. To find out what stage the new Local Plan is at please see the Local Plan page (need link). below:
The Council also produce Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and Planning Briefs which can be used as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. To check for recent SPG or Development Briefs see the Local Plan page (need link).
To discuss any of the above issues or to obtain planning policy advice please contact our Planning Policy Manager on (01282) 661718 or our Planning Officer on (01282) 661723. Alternatively you can e-mail: development.plans@pendle.gov.uk
Development Control and Planning Applications
The Development Control function is responsible for determining planning applications. These will be determined in accordance with the Development Plan and/or other material considerations, including SPG, Development Briefs, Regional Planning Guidance and Government Guidance (PPGs).
Many development proposals require Planning Permission although some minor forms of development are permitted under General Permitted Development Rights. If you are in doubt about whether you require planning permission please contact the Development Control Section.
If you require specific information on a planning application please contact the relevant Planning Officer:
East - Colne and West Craven area
| Position | Telephone |
| Development Control Manager | (01282) 661377 |
| Principal Planning Officer | (01282) 661719 |
| Principal Planning Officer | (01282) 661712 |
| Planning Officer | (01282) 661707 |
| Planning Officer | (01282) 661494 |
West - Nelson, Brierfield, Reedley, Barrowford and Western Parishes
| Position | Telephone |
| Principal Planning Officer | (01282) 661709 |
| Planning Officer | (01282) 661713 |
| Planning Officer | (01282) 661711 |
For general information e.g. planning application forms, copy of decision notices or location plans please contact the Development Control Support Team:
| Position | Telephone |
| Senior Support Officer | (01282) 661714 |
| Planning Technician | (01282) 661789 |
| Cartographic Draughtperson | (01282) 661496 |
| Cartographic Draughtperson | (01282) 661495 |
The Development Control function also deals with Enforcement of planning control. If you wish to discuss an unauthorised development with a Planning Officer please contact:
| Position | Telephone |
| Planning Enforcement Officer | (01282) 661710 |
| Planning Officer | (01282) 661494 |
Alternatively for any of the planning functions you can contact:
Neil Watson, Planning Manager on (01282) 661706, or
Daniel Hartley, Development Control Manager on (01282) 661377
