4NW is the Regional Leaders Forum for England's Northwest and is also the designated regional planning body for the Northwest.

The North West Plan Partial Review

Regional Planning

4NW is the Regional Leaders Forum for England's Northwest and is also the designated regional planning body for the Northwest. This means they have been asked by the government to prepare, monitor and review the Regional Spatial Strategy in partnership with others.

The Regional Spatial Strategy, or North West Plan, is a regional plan that has to be taken into account when decisions are being made about planning applications. It provides a spatial framework for development in the region and for other regional strategies, and it promotes the sustainable development of the North West.

The Partial Review of the North West Plan 

Currently a Partial Review of the North West Plan is going on.  The review covers three key issues. These are:

• Addressing housing demand, supply and affordability;
• Identifying the broad locations for regionally significant waste management facilities; and
• Identifying the broad location of renewable energy generation facilities.

We are also taking the opportunity of the Partial Review to ‘tidy up’ a number of policy areas covering:

• Gypsies & Travellers;
• Travelling Showpeople;
• Update of Regional Parking Standards; and
• Key Service Centres.

Getting involved in the Review Process.

We want to know what you think about the issues.  To get involved you need to be registered. Once registered, you will be able to comment on the following three key stages:

Current Consultation Results:

Downloads and News For useful resources and latest information on the North West Plan Partial Review. >>

Public Consultation Public consultation on proposed changes to Draft North West Regional Spatial Strategy. >>

New: Planning Guide A beginners guide to the planning system in the North West, available from Planning Aid. >>