Well the straight answer is “Quite a Lot” else , but absolute silence from Bradford Council.

We understand that there were over 1000 “representations” made about this unsound Plan --- Enough to make BMDC think again.

In November the Localism Act passed into Law, this Act overturned several processes ----looking for locally driven plans.

Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies The Act formally abolishes Regional Spatial Strategies (RSSs), superseding CALA Homes’ High Court victory earlier this year.

Duty to co-operate There is a new duty to co-operate in relation to the planning of a sustainable development, which could – depending upon the interpretation of the small print – prevent officers from refusing to meet applicants.

Local Development Schemes Local authorities will now be under an obligation to publish details and timetables of local development schemes, part of David Cameron’s drive for greater transparency. This will enable the public to understand what is being delivered, and what is not.Planning Inspectors will no longer be able to throw out local plans; they can make comments on them, but the local authority is not bound to follow them.Councils will need to publish five-year land supply and other targets at least annually.

--- Enough to make BMDC think again.

Next—The Government published its long-awaited National Planning Policy Framework

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was released on 27th March 2012 and looks set to shake up the planning system over the next 12-18 months.

In a nutshell, the NPPF has shrunk 1500 pages of national planning policy down to just 50. These new broad brush policies are generally pro-development, with a number of important areas that are open to interpretation. Over the coming months we expect to see a large number of appeals that will start to debate and define some of the looser intentions within the NPPF.

We are keeping a close eye on how the Planning Inspectorate, Secretary of State, and the High Court will interpret the NPPF and its nuances.

The NPPF opens up a number of opportunities for developers to explore including:

• Brownfield first policy;
• Five year housing supplies with 20% buffer;
• Further limited support for infilling in the green belt;
• Material considerations still form a key function of the planning system;
• Any Council with a Local Plan older than 2004 looks vulnerable to planning appeals;
• Majority of planning circulars remain, which provides a degree more certainty than expected.
• --- Enough to make BMDC think again

So the Society is writing to BMDC and District Councillors asking –

What is happenening about all the faults in the LDF?

What will happen as a result of the Localism Act passing into law?

What will happen as a result of the NPPF publication?

When does it all happen?

Fortunately we have had help from our local MP Kris Hopkins, over a cup of coffee at the Society’s Spring Fair he listened to the village concerns and has “stimulated “ the BMDC Planning Director to come to talk it through with us. We would like the answers to the above questions before we meet!!