Calderdale Council have announced that they’re close to finalising their Local Plan, which will highlight the development potential to build around 12,000 residential homes. The homes, which would be delivered between now and 2033, would be a huge boost for housing within the region – and economic growth as a whole.

The Local Plan drawn up by the authority have identified several areas of land for potential housebuilding along with economic development land which could provide the required jobs needed to accommodate those living in the new homes. The plans will be discussed further at the Transforming West Yorkshire Conference where they’re set to speak.

Cllr Daniel Sutherland, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Environment at Calderdale Council, said of the Local Plan: ”It will allow us to develop and grow whilst protecting and improving the landscape and heritage which we all enjoy, and which makes Calderdale so distinctive. It’ll help our entrepreneurial spirit thrive and help us to retain talent locally by supporting the creation of good quality and highly skilled employment within the region. It will also help us to ensure that everyone has access to a decent home and that people are able to travel within and beyond safety and easily. This is a Local Plan for our communities so we can plan for their needs now and for future generations.”

The Local Plan, if completely signed off, will make way for around 840 properties to be delivered every year until 2033. Taking into account the housing development schemes which have already been approved, Calderdale will actually require enough sites to provide just under 9,500 new homes. The proposed sites for those homes will be shown within the draft Local Plan – which highlights zones for housing and economic growth, whilst protecting 99% of the green-belt within Calderdale.

The draft Local Plan has already been through consultation with two public groups, the most recent drew more than 8,000 individual comments from the community. The final draft will now be discussed on Monday 21st June and if approved by councillors it will be published in the summer before being submitted to Government.

We’re excited to hear more about the exciting development plans happening in the region – from more details on the Local Plan to the transformation of Halifax centre. Join us to hear more at the Transforming West Yorkshire Conference on the 19th June.