People, businesses and developers across West Yorkshire are being invited to help shape how the region's proposed Mass Transit network could drive economic growth, housing delivery and regeneration in the years ahead.
The consultation focuses on an early version of the Spatial Development Framework (SDF), a strategic plan designed to ensure a coordinated approach to land use, development, regeneration and transport planning across West Yorkshire's five local authority areas.
Earlier this year, all five councils launched an initial consultation on the framework, which is intended to support both current and future phases of the region's ambitious Mass Transit programme.
The latest consultation seeks views on whether the draft framework is robust, effective and sufficiently prepared to guide long-term development around the future transport network.
West Yorkshire's proposed Mass Transit system is expected to play a significant role in unlocking economic and housing growth, improving connectivity, reducing congestion and tackling unreliable journeys. It is also seen as a key tool in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing air quality across the region.
A central principle of the framework is to concentrate new development around future Mass Transit stops and transport hubs. By encouraging homes, jobs, retail and community facilities within easy walking distance of stations, the approach aims to maximise the benefits of investment in public transport while creating more sustainable communities.
Rather than replacing existing local plans, the Spatial Development Framework would complement council-led planning policies by enabling greater collaboration across local authority boundaries. Leaders believe this coordinated approach could help unlock development opportunities and deliver improved social, economic and environmental outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
"It is so important we get these steps right, as it will demonstrate that all West Yorkshire councils are working together to deliver Mass Transit.
"What we need from the public, businesses and developers is to understand if they feel the plans for our framework are sound and reliable.
"Mass Transit is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a better-connected public transport network for West Yorkshire, so we need to ensure everyone is on that journey with us."
Officials have clarified that this stage of consultation does not seek feedback on specific routes, route alignments, depot locations or proposed park-and-ride sites. Instead, the focus is on how future development and regeneration should be planned around the proposed network to ensure the widest possible benefits are delivered across the region.
With the Mass Transit programme representing one of the largest transport investments in West Yorkshire's history, stakeholders are being encouraged to have their say on how the framework can help shape the future growth and connectivity of the region.
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