The West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Joint Committee was scheduled to consider governance arrangements for the committee and discuss the post-Regulation 19 consultation outcomes for the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Joint Development Plan Document.

Governance Arrangements

The committee was scheduled to note changes to its membership and governance arrangements. This included noting the appointment of Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe as a member for Leeds City Council, following the resignation of Councillor Peter Carlill. The committee was also scheduled to appoint a Deputy Chair.

West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Joint Development Plan Document - Post-Regulation 19 Consultation

The committee was scheduled to consider a report detailing the outcomes of the Regulation 19 consultation on the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD). This report was scheduled to provide an update on the consultation process, the representations received, and the key issues arising from it. The report was also scheduled to set out the proposed next steps for finalising the JDPD and progressing it through the constituent authorities' governance processes, with the aim of submitting the JDPD for independent examination by 31 December 2026.

The report was scheduled to summarise the main issues raised in the representations received during the Regulation 19 consultation, organised by chapter of the JDPD. These issues included:

• Introduction: Concerns were raised regarding references to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and whether these suggested a bus-based system rather than tram or light metro technology.
• Need for and Benefits of Mass Transit: Representations highlighted the importance of delivering Mass Transit alongside green infrastructure and wider environmental measures, and the recognition of existing active travel routes.
• Purpose, Vision and Objectives: Concerns were raised that the SDF lacks a spatial dimension and does not allocate sites or broad locations for growth. Respondents also sought greater clarity on how the vision and objectives would be applied locally and their relationship with Local Plans.
• Mass Transit as part of an Integrated Transport Network: Representations sought stronger and more measurable planning requirements for integration, greater recognition of healthcare facilities, and clarification on the application of policies to Mass Transit infrastructure.
• Strategic Framework for Transit-oriented Development: Concerns were raised regarding the definition and application of reasonable walking distance, the use of the term where density is not maximised, and flexibility in parking provision.
• Strategic Placemaking and Design: Concerns were raised that Policy 4 duplicates or repeats the requirements of Policy 3 and national policy, and that placemaking standards could impact financial viability.
• Sustainable Design, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Representations sought stronger recognition of existing active travel routes and infrastructure, and highlighted that water resources can be used for low-carbon energy.
• Enhancing the Natural Environment: Representations highlighted the importance of recognising waterways as blue infrastructure assets and the opportunities they provide for ecological restoration.
• Safeguarding Mass Transit Routes and Sites: Concerns were raised regarding the relationship between the jDPD and Local Plans during the period between adoption of the jDPD and updated Local Plans, and how planning decisions would be made.
• Delivery through Local Plans: Concerns were raised that Policy 8(C) could force Local Plans into an overly rigid transport-led spatial strategy, and that the policy could be misconstrued as justifying incremental Green Belt release.
• Delivery & Implementation: Representations sought greater clarity regarding funding and implementation arrangements, including a proposal for a dedicated Local Transport Capital Fund.
• Supporting Documents: Issues were raised regarding the Habitat Regulation Assessment, Sustainability Appraisal Main Report, Equality Impact Assessment, and Statement of Community Involvement.

The report was also scheduled to summarise additional general issues raised, including those relating to deliverability, construction, sustainability, community, connectivity, and the scale and distribution of growth and development. A statement of co-operation was also scheduled to be presented, outlining the approach to maintaining effective co-operation between authorities.