THE final version of the Local Plan -- a blueprint for future land use in Chorley -- is available for viewing.

The latest version, yet to be ratified, has been welcomed by many councillors because it restricts how much land can be released for development.

Demand for housing in the area is to be met largely by the forthcoming developments at Buckshaw Village and Royal Ordnance, which have helped Chorley meet its targets.

Councillor Adrian Lowe, executive member for planning, said: "Throughout the 1990s the council had no choice but to provide land for more housing development than we wanted to. Now all that has changed.

"Only in very exceptional cases is it envisaged that new sites will need to be developed."

An inquiry into the Local Plan was held in 2001 and its review is now nearing completion.

Coun Lowe added: "The number of houses built will be carefully watched so that the policy can closely match the future needs of our borough."

Under the proposed changes, sites for residential development which have been previously identified, such as Eaves Green, are to be minimised.

Draft guidance has also been issued proposing much firmer controls for new unplanned housing sites. Only the most vital will be allowed, while there will be more green belt land established in the Yarrow Valley area.

And the council has also accepted a recommendation not to earmark the Gale Moss site, close to the M61, for employment development.

The proposed modifications to the Local Plan is available for viewing at Chorley Town Hall and the council offices in Gillibrand Street, Chorley, from today, Wednesday, February 5, for six weeks.

They can also be accessed on the council's website www.chorley.gov.uk