THE Bury Local Plan: Core Strategy has now been published for consultation by Bury Council.

It sets out the long-term vision for the future development of the borough, including Ramsbottom, to 2029.

The Core Strategy includes a series of policies that are in essence aimed to be the overall planning guidance for the next 15 years.

At July’s full council meeting at Bury Town Hall, I requested an amendment to the plan that would prevent any further built development at Fletcher Bank Quarry in Ramsbottom. The amendment was supported by the other councillors and has now been added to the Core Strategy.

The Core Strategy will now go out for consultation with residents and will then be sent to the Secretary of State to approve.

The Bury Local Plan is unlikely to be approved before September, 2014, but hopefully it will be useful guidance if and when a planning application is lodged for the Anaerobic Digestion Plant at Fletcher Bank Quarry.

Coun Ian Bevan, Ramsbottom.