Two Worth Valley communities are seeking to be designated as “neighbourhood areas”.

The status would enable them to help shape future development within their boundaries.

Bids for the designation have been put forward by Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury and Oxenhope parish councils.

Consultation on the applications to Bradford Council will be launched today.

A Council spokesman said: “Each parish council’s chief aim is to consult with key local interest groups and residents in putting together a neighbourhood plan, which would ensure that housing needs would be met whilst at the same time protecting the area’s heritage and maintaining its attractive landscape.”

Comment forms can be downloaded from bradford.gov.uk or e-mail ldf.consultation@bradford.gov.uk.