Calderdale Council has appointed planning consultants to carry out a detailed survey to help shape the new Local Development Framework.

"This is an important project, which will help to shape planning policy and ensure the vitality and vibrancy of our town centres, both now and in the future," said regeneration and development spokesman David Kirton.

The consultants, White Young Green, will speak to shoppers and traders in Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Brighouse, Todmorden, Sowerby Bridge and Elland.

The survey, which will also include telephone interviews, is due to begin in the next few weeks.

"It is a Government requirement that we assess retail needs," said Coun Kirton (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe).

The last major shopping study in Calderdale was carried out in 1999 and the findings were used to help shape the revised planning blueprint for the area, the unitary development plan.

It led the council to conclude that there was "no overwhelming requirement to allocate land for retail development to meet capacity anywhere in the district."

But it led to the council developing detailed policies to help determine applications for new shops and stores.

It was those policies which led to the recent controversial decision to refuse permission for a new Asda store in Elland.

Developers need to show that such stores are easily accessible by public transport and have a minimal impact on nearby town centres.

Throughout as a whole, there has been little change in the amount of retail floor space in recent years, with a small decline in Elland and Sowerby Bridge, and small increases in Halifax, Brighouse, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge.

Plans to boost retail provision in Brighouse have been scuppered by the council's failure to get compulsory purchase powers to acquire the former Sugden's Mills site in Brighouse.

Plans for more shops in Hebden Bridge have run into trouble because they are linked to more apartments and parking provision.

But hopes are high that work will start soon on the Broad Street leisure and retail centre in Halifax.

The council's planning policy manager, Phil Ratcliffe, said White Young Green had a long history of advising on retail and planning matters to both the public and private sectors.

"They have worked closely with many neighbouring authorities, including Bradford, Rochdale and Kirklees as well as national and regional retailers including: Sainsbury's, Debenhams and, TK Maxx."

We asked shoppers what they wanted from Halifax - click here to find out what they said