Responses to the consultation on the soundness of the new Leeds Core Strategy had to be in by the 18th February.  Click here for the submission made by the Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum.  Generally we welcome many of the strategic objectives,  but we are very concerned with the policies laid down for Aireborough, given the evidence we are turning up on what people love, hate and want to improve.    We will be looking forward to working with Leeds more closely, as a designated Neighbourhood Forum, on bridging this gap,  based on some of the core principles of the NPPF; namely:-

“Planning should be genuinely plan-led, empowering local people to shape their surroundings, with succinct local and neighbourhood plans setting out a positive vision for the future of the area.”

“Planning should not be about scrutiny, but instead be a creative exercise in finding ways to enhance and improve the places in which people live their lives.”

“Every effort should be made objectively to identify and then meet the housing, business, and other development needs of an area, and respond positively to wider opportunities for growth”

“Planning should take account of the different roles and character of different areas, promoting the vitality of our main urban areas, protecting the Green Belts around them, recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside”.

“Conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations.

“Actively manage patterns of growth to make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking and cycling, and focus significant development in locations which are or can be made sustainable”

“Take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs”.

We will be holding a ‘Neighbourhood Planning Training Session’,  towards the end of March, where we will be inviting people to join the Forum as a volunteer, and help produce the evidence and Neighbourhood Plan for Aireborough.  If you would like an invitation please email us on aireboroughnp@gmail.com.