A new Council planning report has revealed the progress made on developments that provide new homes, improve travel around Calderdale, create space for new jobs and protect historic buildings and land.
Calderdale Council published its Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) on Friday 22 December 2023. This shows how effective its planning policies and processes are in helping to achieve its vision for sustainable development to create a better Calderdale for all.
The latest report covers the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, and is the first since 2017/18 because of the Local Plan examination. The AMR will become the main way of measuring the Local Plan’s success.
The Council has a legal duty to monitor certain parts of planning performance. It also uses the AMR to see where policies need adjusting or replacing if they are not effective.
Housing contributes to the Council’s priorities for reduced inequalities, thriving towns and places, and climate action. Good progress has been made, with the AMR outlining that:
- 23 sites allocated for homes in the Local Plan have valid planning permission, and a further 18 have pending applications.
- 106 affordable homes were delivered during 2022/23, accounting for over 30% of total completions. This helps to increase choice for local people as cost of living pressures continue.
- Almost 600 sq m of new homes were developed within town centres, supporting the Council’s ambition to revive high streets and create vibrant places.
- Over 2000 sq m of employment floor space was completed in 2022/23 to provide jobs, bringing the total up to 67,000 sq m (more than six hectares) since 2018/19.
The report also outlines progress with major projects to improve the transport network across Calderdale. The borough is benefitting from significant investment from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund – for example, supporting projects on the A629 and A641 to transform travel along and around these routes.
Many of the transport schemes are improving facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, helping to tackle the climate emergency, making it easier for people to access work and leisure, and boosting the economy.
Preserving Calderdale’s distinctive heritage is also a key commitment for the Council. The AMR highlights examples of developments that effectively blend old and new, including:
- The new Halifax Bus Station, which provides modern travel facilities whilst incorporating historic listed structures.
- Conversions at Old Town Mill and Melbourne Mill in Hebden Bridge and Old Lane Mill in Halifax, which have transformed historic mills into modern homes, as well as small business units, a café and gardens at Old Town Mill.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said:
“2023 has been a landmark year for planning, with the adoption of our Local Plan in March. Although the Annual Monitoring Report mainly covers the period before adoption, the Local Plan policies had considerable weight in decision making throughout 2022/23.
“The report shows how we’re building a better Calderdale for everyone – delivering quality new homes that people can afford, transport improvements that connect people to opportunities and help our towns and places to thrive, and sites that make the most of our unique local heritage and protect our natural environment.
“We are pleased with the progress made on sustainable development for inclusive economic growth, and will use the Local Plan to drive forward our ambitions and any improvements needed.”
The Annual Monitoring Report is published on the Council’s website at https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/monitoring
Calderdale’s Local Plan supports the Vision 2024 for Calderdale themes of distinctiveness, resilience and enterprise. The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday. Get involved on X with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision