The Local Plan was approved following a vote by St Helens Council this week.

An eight-week publication period will begin in January to allow the public to view the plan and submit representations to the council.

The plan will then be submitted to an independent planning inspector in the summer, with the council aiming to adopt the Local Plan in 2020.

I’ve always argued for a balanced Local Plan that encourages jobs, investment and economic growth across the borough and improves the quality of life for our residents.

I think the latest version of the Local Plan shows that St Helens Council has listened to my and residents’ concerns about the previous draft.

The leader of the council, Derek Long, the cabinet member for balanced development, Andy Bowden and local Labour councillors have worked hard to take the range of views across the borough in to account, while complying with government-set housing targets and trying to build a strong local economy.

I am pleased to see a significant reduction in the amount of green belt proposed for release particularly across Rainford, Haydock and Billinge, and also the removal of proposed immediate development sites in the east of the borough between Newton and the East Lancs and especially around Haydock Island, and in Windle.