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Development Plan Documents

Evidence base

Calderdale's Local Development Framework (LDF) must be based on robust evidence of the needs and issues within the District. The evidence base will inform the preparation of planning documents to be put forward for public consultation during the preparation of the LDF. This page gives a brief overview of the individual studies that will form part of the LDF evidence base.

Consultation

To get involved in consultations on the various LDF documents, please register on the Council's Consultation website:- Local Development Framework consultations|
Or contact the Planning Policy Team on 01422 392206.

Once registered, you will be regularly informed of the latest consultations on LDF documents.

Amenity Land Review

The Amenity Land Review will address amenity open space sites and survey these in accordance with National Government Guidance. This study goes beyond the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy and Action Plan, which has already been completed. The study will build on existing data and information held by the Council, to provide a comprehensive needs assessment and strategy relating to Amenity Open Space in Calderdale, alongside the Calderdale Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy and Action Plan.

Calderdale Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy and Action Plan

The Council appointed consultants Knight Kavanagh Page to carry out an assessment of open space in the District. Policies for open space, sport and recreation are underpinned by the research, analysis and recommendations of the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy and Action Plan. The action plan highlights key issues emerging from a detailed assessment of the quality and distribution of open space provision across the District.

The results of the assessment and recommendations within the Action Plan are used to set provision standards; develop formulae to support the calculation of developer contributions; identify surplus land; and inform policy.

The action plan was completed in September 2006.

Employment Land Review

The Council have commissioned consultants (Roger Tym & Partners) to carry out a study of the current employment land in the District. The review will provide information concerning the need for new employment sites within Calderdale and whether the existing sites are fit for current and future purposes.
Progress so far on the review has included a workshop with Council Officers & Members, Developers, Agents and Businesses in March, alongside a survey of businesses, in order to identify how the current provision of employment land meets the needs of employers.

Status - Draft report received August 2008

Green Belt Review

The Council has begun a Green Belt Review as required by the Government to inform the LDF. The purpose of the review is to establish whether the current designation is meeting the national green belt policy purpose, and establish the areas where the boundaries of the Green Belt may need to be amended.
Once complete the review will provide an understanding of the current strengths and weaknesses of the existing Green Belt within Calderdale and provide a strong defensible Green Belt Boundary for the foreseeable future.

Status - Work commenced June 2008

Retail Needs Assessment Study

This study is being undertaken by consultants (White Young Green) on behalf of the Council and will inform the LDF about the District's current and future requirements for retail development. A household survey will identify shopping habits within the District, whilst a survey in Halifax and Calderdale's other town centres will focus upon shopper's perception of and experience of each of the town centres. A business survey will go to all town centre retailers and will gather their perceptions of the relevant town centre, considering issues such as access, car parking, and town centre management.

Status - Surveys commenced May 2008

Settlement Hierarchy

The Settlement Hierarchy will provide detailed evidence regarding the availability of services and facilities throughout the District and identify the relative sustainability of different settlements and areas within the District. It is being undertaken by staff within Calderdale Council. The methodology was sent for consultation to selected bodies. Questionnaires were available to everybody, and in the summer issue of 'Talkback', to assess views on which services and facilities are considered essential.

Status - Consultation on Methodology and Questionnaire undertaken May/June 2008 

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

Undertaken in association with Kirklees and Wakefield, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) provides information on the areas of flood risk throughout the whole of Calderdale. Originally published in May 2005, work is currently ongoing to update the SFRA to reflect recent Government guidance.

Status - Final Draft SFRA received August 2008

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

This technical exercise is being undertaken by the Council to determine a list of potential housing sites within Calderdale. A 'Call for Sites' was issued to enable all interested parties including landowners and developers to inform the Council of potential development sites for the LDF. The initial 'Call for Sites' ran from February to the end of April 2008.

The methodology for the SHLAA (based on Government Guidance) was open to comment from interested stakeholders during April and May 2008. A number of stakeholders have been invited to form a steering group to investigate comments made on the SHLAA methodology, and consider the appropriateness of sites submitted.

Status - Site Surveys began June 2008

Sustainability Appraisal (Incorporating the Strategic Environmental Assessment).

The purpose of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is to identify and report on the likely significant, social, economic and environmental impacts of a planning document throughout its preparation, so that decisions can be made that accord with the objectives of sustainable development.

Status - Consultation on the SA Scoping Report will commence autumn 2008

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