Hey Lancaster District, young adults! Are you eager to have your voice heard and influence the future of your city? Our Local Plan is a blueprint for what’s to come, and right now, we need YOU to help shape it. 🚀
Engaging young adults in the Local Plan-making process has been historically difficult. As someone in their 20s, I know how easy it is to feel disenfranchised in decision-making processes, believing our contributions have little impact. However, since becoming involved with planning, I have realised how much impact the public voice has on local decision-making. If the ambitions and visions of young people are not reflected as part of this voice, we simply cannot create effective, fit-for-purpose plans. The plan-making process influences not just current decisions but those that will affect future generations. Therefore, it’s key for young adults to contribute to this plan-making process.
After successful engagement with young people on the Lancaster South Area Action Plan (AAP), Lancaster City Council and ImaginationLancaster, led by Dr Mirian Calvo, are building upon a placemaking methodology that enables young people to input into local planning and contribute directly to the Local Plan Review on a district-wide level.
The engagement sessions we are running in May and early June will explore some spatial options for growth within the district. This will be done through a series of WALKshops, aimed at 18 to 30-year-olds, taking place in Lancaster, Morecambe, and Carnforth.
Sites for the WALKshops have been selected through the Council’s “Call for Sites” process, allowing landowners, developers, and individuals to suggest areas for future development. These sites will be considered by the Council for their suitability for development via the Strategic Housing & Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA ) as the look to prepare their new Local Plan. At this point in the plan making process, no decisions have been made on the selected sites appropriateness for development. By visiting these sites firsthand, we can explore how growth in these areas can incorporate placemaking principles and local young aspirations, leading to vibrant, resilient, and healthy communities. You can then, by participating in this research events, contribute to the type of development you would like to see happening, the infrastructure and services needed, and any other considerations you feel are important.
We’ve been busy preparing for this engagement programme! Our team has visited the sites, designed guided walking routes, and worked out logistics and potential talking points for the events. Our walks sparked conversations on topics like land use, flooding, heritage assets, infrastructure, access, biodiversity, and conservation. We look forward to your vital opinions and perspectives.
Why Should You Join Our WALKshops?
- 💡 Hands-On Experience: Discover firsthand how potential development sites could evolve. Your opinions will directly impact decisions that might even shape your future home or workplace.
- 🌍 Be a Community Changemaker: Engage in discussions about sustainable infrastructure, vibrant neighbourhoods, or more green spaces. Your ideas could be the catalyst for healthier, more thriving communities.
- 🌟 Meet Like-Minded People: This is more than just a meeting—it’s a chance to connect with fellow advocates passionate about creating a better tomorrow.
Mark Your Calendars!
- Carnforth Hub: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Lancaster Innovation Centre: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Lancaster and Morecambe College: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Good news—we’ve timed the WALKshops in May and June to catch those longer daylight hours. Let’s hope for sunny British weather! ☀️
Ready to Make a Difference? Join Us Here
Remember, this is your city, your future, and your moment to shine. Share this opportunity with friends, family, and anyone who cares about making our community an amazing place to live. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together! 💬
FAQs: If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at
Let’s transform the Lancaster District into a place that’s vibrant, resilient, and representative of all our hopes. Your journey starts now—get involved and make it count!
Visit our website for more details
Want to know more about the Local Plan process?
Check out our interactive storyboard: https://arcg.is/Pzv0n
#Placemaking #PlacemakingWithYoungAdults #CoDesign #WALKshops2025 #LancasterRising
Author: Planning Policy Assistant LCC
Mirian Calvo