We’re consulting on public engagement – how can you get involved?
Last week we announced an update to the Kirklees Local Plan, and we’re now consulting on how members of the public can get involved and have their say going forward.
What is the Local Plan?
The Local Plan lays out how much development we want to achieve and where this development should take place, alongside a lot of guidance around planning applications. The decision to update the Local Plan was taken based on how much has changed since it was launched in 2019, including lots of things that have a big impact on our goals for development and our ability to achieve them – like the announcement of the Climate Emergency, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting economic impacts.
What is the Statement of Community Involvement?
The current Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) was launched shortly after the Local Plan in December 2019, and it laid out how local communities would be engaged. Its purpose is to set out how and when you can have your say during the planning process.
We’re now reviewing the SCI, coinciding with this update to the Local Plan and in line with the legislation from the government.
We want you to have your say on the revised SCI, as this will determine how local residents and businesses can get involved and give your input on the updates to the Local Plan, and to all the planning guidance around it.
Want to get involved?
You can get involved and have your say on what the new SCI looks like on our website.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says:
“Our Statement of Community Involvement is all about how local people and businesses can get involved in the planning process.
“This review coincides with a lot of other work we’re doing to really retrain our focus on development in Kirklees, to make sure everything we’re doing is current and in the best interests of local people.
“Since a full update to the Local Plan was announced last week, this revised Statement of Community Involvement will play a big part in how Kirklees residents and businesses can have their say. It’s a huge piece of work, and we want everyone across the district to have the opportunity to get involved.”