Merseyside

Bootle Businesses Invited To Shape Local Development Plans

By

Karen McGinn
19 March 2026, 3:08 pm

Sefton Council is asking business owners and residents in Bootle to give their feedback on three new draft planning documents and a new health assessment guide. These draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) focus on nature conservation, the management of open spaces, and the control of hot food takeaways to help the community grow sustainably.

The public consultation, which runs until Sunday, April 19, 2026, is part of a regular update to the rules that council officers use to evaluate new building applications. Local business owners are being encouraged to share their thoughts, particularly on the rules for new takeaways and fast food outlets, to ensure future projects support the local economy and public health.

The new guidelines will work alongside the Bootle Area Action Plan, which was formally adopted in January 2026 as the primary strategy for the town’s long-term development. By reviewing these draft documents now, the community can ensure that planning rules match what the town needs to thrive.

The council has also posted details about the consultation on the One Sefton social media page to encourage participation. This feedback period is a key step in supplementing the local planning rules that have been in place since 2017. The consultation will run until Sunday 19th April 2026.