Sefton launches new Local Plan as Formby residents urged to help shape the town’s future

Amazing aerial view of Formby by webaviation.co.uk Photo copyright by Jonathan C.K.Webb

Formby residents are being encouraged to have their say as Sefton Council begins work on a brand new Local Plan that will help decide how the borough develops between 2029 and 2044.

The Local Plan is one of the most important documents produced by the Council. It sets out a long-term vision for how towns and villages such as Formby could grow, what land should be protected, where future development may take place and what infrastructure will be needed to support local communities.

At this stage, no decisions have been made and no new development sites have been identified. Instead, the Council is asking residents, businesses and community groups what they believe should be included in the new plan before detailed proposals are drafted.

The Council says the existing Local Plan, adopted in 2017, now needs updating to reflect changing national planning rules, up-to-date information and the evolving needs of communities across Sefton.

Once complete, the new Local Plan will help shape decisions on a wide range of issues, including:

• How many new homes Sefton may need up to 2044.

• Where future housing, employment sites and community facilities could be located.

• Which areas should be protected from development.

• Investment needed in roads, schools, healthcare, parks, public transport and other infrastructure.

• How Sefton responds to challenges such as climate change, protecting wildlife and heritage, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting the local economy.

For Formby, the consultation is particularly significant because the Local Plan will influence planning decisions affecting the town for many years to come. The Council says it wants the plan to be based on local priorities, local voices and local needs, making this the opportunity for residents to raise issues that matter most to them before the plan progresses further.

Over the coming years there will be several stages of consultation, including opportunities to comment on draft versions of the plan as they are published. This first consultation is simply asking people what they think should be included and how they would like to be involved throughout the process.

Residents have until midnight on Friday 18th September 2026 to submit their comments.

As this process develops, Formby Bubble will continue to follow every stage of the Local Plan and keep readers informed about any proposals that could affect Formby.