Bradford planning strategy comment period is extended (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford planning strategy comment period is extended

8:20am Thursday 5th January 2012 in News By Jo Winrow, City Hall Reporter

Bradford Council is to expand the consultation on a key development document allowing more people and organisations to have their say.

A 12-week public consultation exercise on the draft Local Development Framework’s core strategy ends officially on January 20. Drop-in events and briefings for specific groups have taken place.

But following criticism that the level of consultation has been inadequate, the Council has confirmed that extra public events and meetings are being organised.

Responses to the vital document, which aims to manage development and growth in the district over 15 years, will still be considered if they are received by the end of February.

Julian Jackson, the Council’s assistant director for planning, transportation and highways, said: “Managing future housing, industrial and commercial land developments and infrastructure improvements is a complex and difficult process.

“It is important we give everyone the chance to comment on the core strategy and recognise the need to provide further opportunities for people to do so.

“Additional public drop-in events will be arranged in Bingley and Queensbury and extra meetings will also be provided specifically for parish council members.

“Consultation responses received by the end of February will be considered, though we would still urge everyone to give their views as quickly as possible within the formal consultation deadline of January 20.

“Further details of the additional public events will be publicised once they are confirmed.”

Consultation is also continuing on a new draft design guidelines for homeowners planning improvements to their property. People can have their say on the householder draft supplementary planning document until Monday, January 30.

It simplifies current guidance about how common types of residential developments should be carried out to ensure they meet local planning rules.

The latest information about the Local Development Framework, which is not expected to come into effect until 2013, can be found at bradford.gov.uk/ldf.