Leeds villagers will have a say on future building projects after plans passed
Villagers will have a say on future building projects after voting overwhelmingly in favour of a localised planning policy.
The Pool-in-Wharfedale Neighbourhood Plan will be used to help decide on planning applications in the village area.
A local referendum in October saw a 97 per cent vote in favour of the plan, which sets out policies on green spaces, retail development, transport and housing.
Drawn up by Pool-in-Wharfedale Parish Council, it will form part of the city council’s wider development plans for Leeds.
A Leeds City Council report said: “The council is now formally making the Pool-in-Wharfedale Neighbourhood Plan part of the development plan.
“It sets out a locally-distinctive vision for the area and is the result of local consultation and positive collaboration between Pool-in-Wharfedale Parish Council and Leeds City Council.”
A public consultation was held on the neighbourhood plan (NP), set to be in place until 2033, the report said.
It said: “As well as local consultation, the neighbourhood plan has been prepared collaboratively with the council.
“There has been an excellent working relationship throughout the preparation of the plan.”
Some 530 people voted in the local referendum on October 9, a 29.6 per cent turnout.
Under the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017, NPs should be given “full weight” in the determination of planning applications, the report said.
It said: “It promotes opportunities for communities to get involved in and shape the development of their areas over the long term.
“Through the process, communities can influence and encourage the development of healthy places in accordance with locally-set priorities.”