New planning guidance is set to be consulted on, to ensure new housing developments have enough high-quality open space and recreational facilities to support residents’ health and wellbeing.
Calderdale’s Local Plan, which was adopted in March 2023, sets out how much open space, and facilities for sport and recreation, is needed in new housing developments across the borough.
The Council has produced the draft Open Space, Sport and Recreation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to add more detail to this Local Plan policy. It offers practical advice to developers and the public for development sites, helping to ensure they meet the Local Plan requirements.
The consultation would also propose a new preferred approach for the long-term management of public open space and community assets in new residential developments, through the adoption of an innovative Stewardship Hub model.
At the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Monday 1 September 2025, Councillors will be asked to give the go ahead for a four-week consultation, to give local people the chance to have their say on the draft SPD. The final document will be used as a reference point for decisions on planning applications.
The Local Plan requires a network of high-quality open spaces and facilities for sport and recreation because by enabling exercise and other pastimes to take place, they help boost people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life. They also improve how places look and the quality of the environment – supporting nature, climate action, the local economy and new investment.
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, said:
“We are lucky to have so many much-loved green and open spaces all over Calderdale, with lots of facilities to play sport and enjoy recreational activities like walking and children’s play. That’s why nature is such an important part of our Vision 34 for Calderdale.
“Our Local Plan helps us protect these spaces for people now and in the future. The Open Space, Sport and Recreation Supplementary Planning Document gives assurance that the Council and developers are doing all we can to ensure new housing developments give residents the spaces they need for their health and wellbeing, create a sense of place so our towns can thrive, and help protect the environment.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet meeting will be held on Monday 1 September 2025 at Halifax Town Hall from 4pm. The meeting can also be watched online at https://calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home(external link)