A project starting next week could have a major impact on future building development in Bronte Country.

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council has set up a working group to draw up its Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The plan will give the parish the power to say what kind of development will be allowed within its boundaries, what this development will look like and where it is placed.

Government localism legislation has given authority to parish councils to put together Neighbourhood Development Plans so communities can have a greater say in the planning policies affecting their areas.

Haworth, Cross Road and Stanbury Parish Council was approved as the appropriate authority to deliver a plan by Bradford Council last November.

Parish Council chairman Councillor John Huxley, said: “This will be one of the most important pieces of work ever undertaken by our council.

“While it won’t give us the powers to refuse planning permission for developments, it would give us the opportunity to shape where housing and business development is allowed and what any kind of development looks like.

“Bradford Council’s Local Development Framework projects that Haworth should provide land for 500 houses in the next 25 years. Preparing a Neighbourhood Plan and going for a Local Development Plan will give us a strong voice in that process.”

A public consultation meeting will be held at St Gabriel’s Church, Stanbury, from 10am until noon on Saturday, March 15, followed by further meetings at West Lane Baptist Church, Haworth, from 10am until noon on Saturday, March 29, St James’s Church, Cross Roads, from 10am until noon on Saturday, April 5, and then back at West Lane Baptist Church, on Wednesday, April 23, from 7pm until 9pm.

For more details visit www.haworthcrossroadsstanburyndp.org.uk – and a Facebook page – haworthcrossroadsstanburyndp.