Hebden Royd and the Hill Top Parishes could become a Neighbourhood Area if an application which has been made to Calderdale Council is successful.
The application, which was submitted by Hebden Royd Town Council, Blackshaw Parish Council, Erringden Parish Council, Heptonstall Parish Council and Wadsworth Parish Council will be discussed by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 17 November 2014.
The Localism Act 2011 introduced new powers to allow communities to take responsibility for local planning once they have been designated as a Neighbourhood Area.
If the application is approved, the Council will work with the Town and Parish Councils on a Neighbourhood Development Plan. This will include planning policies on the development and use of land within the area, such as where new homes or offices may be built and how these should look, to make sure they are in keeping with the village or town.
Neighbourhood Areas have the power to make a Neighbourhood Development Order, which gives the community the authority to grant planning permission without making an application to the Council. Community groups can apply for a Community Right to Build Order to ask for permission to develop small sites within specified areas.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Cllr Peter Caffrey said:
“We welcome the application from Hebden Royd and the Hill Top Parishes which would allow local people to plan development within their own community.
“These are important decisions which help to shape our towns and villages for the future. They help to support businesses and local enterprise and provide new, much needed local housing; whilst at the same time making sure that the green spaces which our communities value and enjoy are protected for later generations.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet will be asked to recommend to full Council that the application is approved at the next meeting on Monday 17 November at 6pm at Halifax Town Hall.