A councillor is calling for crucial planning meetings to be held close to the communities affected by the proposed developments.

The motion to Bradford Council by Conservative Matt Palmer follows criticism after two high-profile planning applications affecting Menston and Bingley were moved to City Hall, which has more space for members of the public to attend.

Shipley Area Planning Panel normally takes place in Shipley Town Hall but the panel will next meet in Bradford on July 19 to decide the fate of 300 proposed homes at sites on Derry Hill and Bingley Road in Menston.

In addition a further meeting to determine an application for a 400-home development on green fields near Bingley was due to have been held in Bradford this week, but has been postponed for planning officers to gather more information. A new date has not yet been set.

Both moves prompted anger from those campaigning against the separate plans.

Coun Palmer said: “I decided to put in a motion regarding the locations chosen for meetings being held by Council committees as I have noticed a few instances recently where meetings which I would have expected to be held in the outlying communities which are affected by the decisions being taken have been held in City Hall in Bradford.

“Decisions such as these are critical for these communities and the meeting should be held locally and decisions made locally wherever possible, so that residents can have input and decision makers can understand the effect their decisions may have.”

Labour Councillor Imran Hussain, the deputy leader of the Council, said: “Clearly people have a right to attend public meetings and where possible we would obviously encourage maximum public participation. However this has to be looked at on a individual basis with respect to the suitability of the venues and their ability to cater for the maximum number of people likely to want to attend.”

The meeting of the full Council takes place in City Hall on Tuesday at 4pm.

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