The Leeds Development Plan Panel met to discuss the Leeds Local Plan, a joint development plan for mass transit in West Yorkshire, and the panel's upcoming work programme. The consultation on the Leeds Local Plan's 'Issues and Options' was a key topic, alongside the next steps for the plan's development. Also on the agenda was an update on the preparation of a Joint Development Plan Document for the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Programme.

Leeds Local Plan: Issues and Options Consultation

The Development Plan Panel was scheduled to receive an update on the Leeds Local Plan Issues and Options consultation, which closed on 15 September 2025. The Chief Planning Officer's report provided an initial analysis of engagement levels, noting that the consultation followed two previous scoping consultations in 2023.

The consultation focused on:

• Vision and objectives
• Emerging policies
• Evidence
• Methodologies
• Sites

These elements were presented as 'Issues', 'Preferred Options', and 'Sites Submitted for Consideration'.

The consultation involved drop-in events, targeted events and a social media campaign, and was hosted on the Commonplace platform. According to the report, nearly 160,000 unique visitors accessed the consultation materials via Commonplace, with over 12,000 individuals participating and providing over 25,000 comments.

The report stated that a more detailed report would be presented to the Development Plan Panel later in the year, summarising the main issues raised and how they would be addressed.

Leeds Local Plan Work Programme: Next Steps

The Development Plan Panel was scheduled to discuss the next steps in the Leeds Local Plan's work programme. According to the Chief Planner's report, work would focus on:

• Further developing and refining the evidence base
• Finalising the site assessment methodology and completing site assessments
• Drafting proposed policies for topics and sites

The report mentioned several areas of focus for developing the evidence base, including a full review of the Leeds Green Belt, a review of landscape sensitivity around key locations for growth, and an updated assessment of the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community in conjunction with Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE).

The report stated that determining the most appropriate sites for allocation would be an iterative process, taking into account factors such as sustainability, local housing needs, infrastructure impact, environmental impact and flood risk.

The report also noted that consideration was being given to how site allocation policies could be strengthened to provide greater clarity to landowners, developers and residents.

Joint Development Plan Document – Spatial Development Framework (West Yorkshire Mass Transit)

The Development Plan Panel was scheduled to receive an update on the preparation of a Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD) between the five West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities for the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Programme.

The Chief Planning Officer's report stated that the JDPD would provide strategic spatial planning policies for Mass Transit, as no West Yorkshire Local Plans currently contain specific planning policies to support it. The report noted that the JDPD is reflected in the City Council's Local Development Scheme and would set a strategic spatial direction for Mass Transit, consistent with the Mass Transit Statement of Case.

The strategic objectives of the Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework were listed as:

• support statutory planning consent for the MT network via alignment with adopted Local Plans.
• provide a spatial framework for growth and regeneration around transit nodes, particularly the Leeds–Bradford and South Leeds corridors.
• enable inclusive growth by improving access to jobs and education.
• advance climate goals by reducing vehicle kilometres and emissions through modal shift.

The report stated that ARUP and Jacobs consultants had been commissioned by the combined authority to prepare the DPD in liaison with local planning authorities.

Development Plan Panel Work Programme 2025/26

The Development Plan Panel was scheduled to discuss its work programme for the upcoming year. According to the Chief Planner's report, the panel would be advising on:

1. The Leeds Local Plan
2. The Spatial Development Framework Joint Development Plan Document
3. Renewal of The District Heating Network Local Development Order
4. Authority Monitoring Report
5. Government Changes to the Planning System

The report noted that public consultation on the renewal of the District Heating Local Development Order was due to commence in mid-September and run for 28 days. The Leeds PIPES district heating network is now well established across Leeds following three main phases of work, with Phase 4 due to commence in Summer 2025. The Local Development Order gives permitted development rights to underground sections of the network, and small above ground works.

The report also stated that further details and clarification on the nature of the revised Planning System for Local Plans were anticipated to be published in the autumn.