The future of Calderdale's Green Belt

Tuesday, 3 June 2008

Calderdale Council is to consider whether the district's Green Belt boundaries need to be changed. This will be done as part of the Council's new development plan - the Local Development Framework.

The review will establish whether Calderdale is meeting the national policy on Green Belt and if there are any areas in Calderdale where the current boundaries could be retained, removed or increased.

Before undertaking any study the Council will be consulting with a number of key agencies and groups including, neighbouring Local Authorities, parish councils, the Environment Agency, Natural England and regional Government.

The Council will then begin thorough consultation with the communities of Calderdale before any changes are implemented. Councillor David Kirton, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Development, said: 'Once complete, the review will provide an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing Green Belt within Calderdale.

'It will also provide a strong defensible Green Belt Boundary for the next 30 years. This exercise is essential to ensure we can defend our Green Belt from development for the long-term and see if we could increase Green Belt by including areas such as the countryside around Todmorden.'