Kirklees Council have been given the backing of the Planning Inspector – paving the way for the introduction of their new Kirklees Local Plan in the next few months. The plan sets out the vision and strategy for the future of the region, highlighting improved infrastructure and housing as two areas of focus.

Kirklees Council, who’ll be represented at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference by Leader Jacqui Gedman, will now finalise the masterplan after receiving the green light, with planning inspector Katie Child said to be happy with the majority of plots allocated for housing, industry and business development.

The plans are set to provide a huge boost to the local economy – boosting employment by 32,000 new jobs, whilst providing a platform for more businesses and industries to thrive. The Local Plan will be the enabler. Using Wakefield as an example when they were the only borough in West Yorkshire to have a Local Plan it grew faster and further than any other area within the region. Kirklees are hoping the plan will provide better infrastructure, attract more larger employers to the region, accelerate available housing and ensure a better way of living for those within Kirklees.

One of the primary highlights of the plan is the development of over 23,000 new homes set to be delivered before the end of the Local Plan. That development will ensure available housing is implemented for the expected employment and job opportunities which will come through the growth and building of industrial parks in Kirklees – whilst vital infrastructure will need to be built to ensure these integrate into existing communities and transport networks across the region.

The creation of those new homes will allow new communities and villages to be created – which will need to include schools, health services and leisure developments.

We’re delighted to welcome Kirklees Council to our West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference and they’ll be joining over 40 speakers and 350 delegates – will you be there?