Have your say on the Kirklees Local Plan
We’re developing a new Local Plan and want to hear your views on the priorities it should address and how we should engage with communities throughout the process.
This consultation is the first stage of the new plan-making system and will help shape future planning policies and the district’s development strategy.
Site allocations and detailed policies will be consulted on separately in June 2027.
When is the consultation?
The Local Plan Consultation opens on Thursday 13 August 2026 and closes on Friday 11 September 2026. During this four-week period, residents, businesses and stakeholders are invited to share their views to help shape the future Kirklees Local Plan.
What is a Local Plan?
The Kirklees Local Plan sets out how land across the district will be used and where new development should take place. It guides decisions on homes, employment, transport, community facilities and the management of the built and natural environment, helping to ensure there is enough land to meet the needs of residents and businesses.
The council adopted its current Local Plan in 2019 and is now updating it to align with the Government’s new plan-making system introduced in March 2026. An updated plan will support economic growth, provide new homes, protect green spaces and promote sustainable development, helping Kirklees achieve its ambition of becoming a net zero, climate-ready district by 2038.
Councillor John Hardie, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport said,
“As Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Highways and Transport I have a keen interest in the Local Plan. It will help shape the future of Kirklees, influencing where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and green spaces could be over the coming years. I want to make sure it reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live, work and invest here.
“We’re asking residents, businesses, community groups and other organisations with an interest in kirklees to take the time to read the Consultation and tell us what they think the local issues and priorities are that the Local Plan should plan for. This will help us develop a Local Plan that balances growth with protecting the things that make Kirklees a great place to live and work.
“This is an opportunity for everyone to help shape the future of our district. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved and have their say before the consultation closes.”
Changes to national policy
Changes to national planning policy mean Kirklees will need to plan for more homes than the current Local Plan requires.
At the moment, the plan sets a target of 1,730 new homes a year but is currently required to provide 1,917 homes per year as part of the government’s ambition to build more homes across the country.
As well as planning for new homes and jobs, the Local Plan must make sure communities have the facilities and services they need. This includes schools, healthcare, leisure and cultural facilities, green spaces and safe neighbourhoods. It also promotes sustainable travel, making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
How can I get involved?
Residents, businesses and organisations are invited to share their views during the four-week consultation running from 13 August – 11 September
Feedback from the consultation, together with updated evidence about the district future needs, will help shape the next draft of the Local Plan, including proposed planning policies and options for where future development could take place.
To find out more and have your say, visit the Local Plan webpage on the Kirklees Council website.