PUBLIC consultation has begun on proposed changes to Leeds City Council’s Site Allocations Plan.

The consultation seeks views on modifications to the plan put forward by two independent government-appointed inspectors in their initial consideration after public hearings. The plan looks at future housing, greenspace and development.

The inspectors have indicated that fewer green belt sites need to be released for housing growth in Leeds up to 2023. They have recommended 34 sites should be taken out of the plan, including land off the A65 at Horsforth roundabout.

The consultation will look at the specific proposed modifications rather than the plan as a whole.

All of the responses received in the consultation, which runs until 5pm on Monday, March 4, will be considered by the inspectors before they produce their final report on the plan later in the year. This will then be discussed at a full meeting of Leeds City Council and a vote will be taken on its formal adoption.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said: “Reaching what will hopefully be the final stages of this very long process to ensure the city has a fully recognised and accepted plan is very pleasing.

“I would encourage people to take part in this consultation on the proposed modifications, which will help to ensure future growth in Leeds is carried out in a planned and sustainable way.”

Leeds City Council chairman of the development plan panel Councillor Peter Gruen said: “We are very grateful to the inspectors’ for their meticulous work and taking into account the context around lower housing numbers in Leeds so this consultation can now take place on their recommended modifications.

“The city is in a much stronger position as a result of this process, and hopefully later this year the Site Allocations Plan will be formally adopted giving reassurance to our communities they will not be subjected to speculative development.”

The consultation can be seen at www.leeds.gov.uk/yourcity,

The inspectors’ recommendations are based on their considerations following 16 days of public examination hearings on the plan which were held last summer with the views of more than 470 participants heard, and more than 50,000 written comments submitted.