A DECISION on Ribble Valley Borough Council’s housing plan is expected in April.

A public consultation has recently concluded in Clitheroe into the core strategy, which will dictate how many houses can be built in the Ribble Valley.

The strategy was examined by a planning inspector at the council chambers from Tuesday, January 14, to Friday, January 24.

The council has said that 5,000 houses could be built in the borough over the next five years if the plans are signed off by the government.

The council’s previous core strategy was rejected by the government in 2012 following concerns over its evidence.

Planning minister Nick Boles pledged in September that the Ribble Valley can ‘take back control’ of the planning process in the borough if their housing plan is approved.