Blueprint for town’s future

Proposals are being put forward for a potential neighbourhood development plan with Councillors and Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker talking to business leaders about the creation of the group.

Mr Whittaker said a discussions have taken place to get the thoughts of local business leaders as to whether this is something which he could help produce.

“Adopting and approving a business-led plan for Brighouse Town Centre would ensure that the views of local businesses and stakeholders strongly influence the future direction and development of the town centre. A number of local businesses have contacted me to enquire as to whether this is something which could be beneficial to our area.

“All Local Authorities are obliged to approve a development plan which is a document which details the overall strategy of the council for the proper planning and sustainable development of an area.

“As part of this plan, particular localities, in this case, the area in and around Brighouse Town Centre, can form their own plan which is designed to meet the particular development needs of that area.”

“If Brighouse did not produce its own development plan it would be subject to the Calderdale-wide plan as produced by the council.”

Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) have been introduced by the Government through the Localism Act 2011.

Once these community-produced plans have been examined and subject to the results of a referendum in the local area they will be “made” by the Local Planning Authority and become part of the development plan.

The Calderdale Local plan is the new name for the Local Development Framework which will set out the planning vision, policies and proposals for development in the district.

A site of 104 acres in Clifton has been earmarked for development under the Calderdale Local Plan which will shape the future of the area over the next 25 years.

Another site includes green field land bounded by Wakefield Road, Coal Pit Lane and Clifton Common to create an office park.

If a neighbourhood development plan is formed, it will enable the town to have a say on sites where developments would be wanted.