Calderdale Council’s Cabinet is currently discussing efforts to advance the development of two documents that will guide future planning decisions.
During the Cabinet meeting on Monday, 13th November, Members will deliberate on two reports about the creation of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD). These documents offer more detailed counsel and direction on policies outlined in the Council’s officially adopted Local Plan.
The initial SPD under consideration pertains to flood risk and drainage. It sets out the approach to be adopted to oversee flood risk and its impact on the aquatic environment in the context of new development proposals.
Due to Calderdale’s distinctive topography, it is particularly susceptible to floods originating from various sources, including river inundation, surface water, and runoff from the steep slopes.
The Flood Risk and Drainage SPD underscores the information that will be requisite to accompany forthcoming planning applications, to mitigate the environmental impact. It delineates the approach that developers must adhere to to manage flood risk, ensuring that development is situated appropriately, well-designed, and managed to consider the effects of climate change.
Members will be tasked with endorsing a four-week consultation period on the documents, affording individuals the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed policy.
The second SPD report addresses self and custom-built housing. This refers to a form of house construction where an individual either personally oversees the design and construction of their own home (self-build) or collaborates with a developer to bring their unique requirements to fruition (custom build).
The Self and Custom Build Housing SPD aims to oversee the process by which developers are expected to provide plots for self-build housing and offers guidance to Council members and officers in the decision-making process.
Feedback garnered from a recent consultation has been utilised to refine the policy documents. Cabinet members are urged to support the recommendation to the Full Council for the adoption of the Self and Custom Build SPD.
The Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Jane Scullion, said; “Calderdale’s Local Plan supports the three Council priorities of supporting thriving towns and places, reducing inequalities and tackling the climate emergency.
“We’re considering the development of a series of documents which look in more detail at parts of the Local Plan, helping to inform future planning policy and supporting the plan’s delivery.
“One of these documents relates to flood risk. In Calderdale, we understand too well that we live with a constant threat of flooding. As the threat of climate change increases this risk, it’s so important that we have planning policies to ensure that the necessary developments can minimise any impact on the environment and manage flood risk.
“We’ll also be considering a planning document relating to self and custom housebuilding, which has been updated following feedback received as part of a public consultation. This type of housebuilding will help make a meaningful contribution to the overall supply of housing in the area and consequently to the delivery of the Local Plan.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Monday, 13th August, at Halifax Town Hall, at 3 pm. The meeting can also be viewed online at https://calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.
