RESIDENTS of Steeton and Silsden will this year take part in a referendum on the future of their neighbourhood.

Work to create a Neighbourhood Plan for the area, which will shape where future developments should, and should not happen, has been ongoing since 2014.

Last year an independent Planning Consultant inspected the plan, and has suggested it moves to the next stage.

At a meeting of Bradford Council's Executive on Tuesday, members will be advised to approve some minor modifications recommended by the consultant and approve the amended plan to be subject of a local referendum.

That will mean the people of Steeton and Silsden will vote on whether to adopt the 87 page plan in May.

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If adopted, the plan will make it easier for Bradford Council to refuse any plans for the area that are deemed to go against the document.

It will also allow both Steeton and Silsden Parish Council to keep a portion of any "Community Infrastructure Levies" paid by developers to spend on local services.

A report to the Executive says: "The plan does not make allocations for housing. However, it does seek to safeguard a number of sites within Steeton with Eastburn and Silsden for employment purposes as well as for leisure, recreation and sports purposes. It also identifies a number Local Green Spaces."