Mass Transit joint spatial development framework development plan document consultation

The Spatial Development Framework (SDF) has been developed by the five West Yorkshire local planning authorities, supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to bring together our region's ambitions for building, regeneration and a more inclusive economy into a statutory document. The SDF is set out in the joint Development Plan Document.

If adopted by the local planning authorities, the Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework will provide a new set of policies for our region sitting alongside local authorities' Local Plans.

West Yorkshire is planning a new Mass Transit network - a modern, high-quality public transport system that could include trams, light rail or advanced bus rapid transit. It will connect main economic centres, existing and future neighbourhoods, and regeneration sites. This is a once-in-a-generation investment that can help improve how we travel, support new homes and jobs, tackle climate change and create better places to live.

The Spatial Development Framework is about creating the planning policies for our region on how development should be planned around Mass Transit, not the routes themselves.

The aim is to make sure new homes, business spaces, services and public spaces are built in the right places, in the right way, to maximise the benefits from Mass Transit.

A Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework will demonstrate the commitment of local planning authorities to making sure the scheme supports growth in the wider economy.

Currently no adopted Local Authority Local Plan has specific policies that support the Mass Transit scheme proposals.

It does not take precedence over or replace Local Plans - these will continue to be the way in which communities and their representatives agree the right spaces and places for housing and employment sites.

Instead, it will act as a guide to connect Local Plans developed on different timeframes, encouraging them to develop plans that make the most of Mass Transit investment in the ways that are best for their local area.

Mass Transit will offer another way to travel in West Yorkshire that will improve choice and reliability for residents.

It will connect seamlessly with other modes-buses, rail, walking, and cycling-through the Weaver Network, creating one unified system. Typically, Mass Transit would use one or more modern high-capacity bus, tram or tram-train type vehicle.

In strengthening travel choice for residents, it can play a key role in supporting the region's economic ambitions making it easier for people to travel for work, learning and leisure. It can increase opportunities to bring forward new housing and regeneration projects, and make it easier for businesses, workers, suppliers and customers to connect.

The Mass Transit scheme is at an early stage with the preparation of the business case currently underway.

The UK planning system is designed to support opportunities for residents to have their say on how their local area is shaped by planning. It takes time to develop and approve proposals.

Launching a consultation now allows enough time to develop robust and community informed proposals that can be finalised alongside the detailed business case to Government for the proposed first phase of the Mass Transit network.

The first stage consultation will run for six weeks from Thursday 29 January to Thursday 12 March. This will inform a further consultation on the Spatial Development Framework in 2026 and allow submission to the planning inspectorate for in 2027.

We recognise that where we build homes and other buildings aligned to a Mass Transit system there could be an impact on our environment, and we need to align with our West Yorkshire Plan objectives to tackle the climate emergency.

To ensure this, and in line with statutory requirements, an independent assessment of the plan has been undertaken and collated into an Integrated Sustainability Appraisal. A Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), to assess effects of the draft Plan on European sites has also been conducted and reported separately.

The assessment process has provided independent review and challenge to our draft objectives, policies and interventions, and is available to view and comment on as a supporting document as part of this consultation.

Its conclusions and recommendations, together with those collated during the consultation period, will be used to review and enhance the draft Plan's proposals.