FAQs

It will guide the future development, regeneration and conservation of the area by setting out what uses will and will not be acceptable for various sites, stating what the community’s priorities are and what standards are acceptable.

First of all, it can only deal with how land is used, not with other important matters such as education, policing or social care services. Secondly, it cannot make things happen, but only say what residents want to happen and what will not be permitted. So, for example, we can say we want a site developed for new housing, or a new school, but that will only happen if someone with the money and ability to do so comes along. But if a site is earmarked for housing or a school then that is the only use which could take place on that site.

Basically, the Neighbourhood Plan has to fit within Calderdale Council’s overall planning strategy but when it comes down to deciding for what use a particular site should be developed the Neighbourhood Plan takes precedence. It’s not quite as simple as that, so contact us if you have a more specific question.

Probably sometime in 2016 but it’s hard to be sure. Before it comes into force we have to do a lot more thinking, talking to developers and other decision-makers and, most of all, consulting with you, the residents, and getting your views. Then there has to be formal consultation period, then an “examination in public” by a Planning Inspector and finally a referendum in which everyone living in Park Ward who is on the electoral register is entitled to vote. The plan can come into force only after a majority vote at the referendum.

We don’t yet know. Neighbourhood Plans can last for up to 20 years but can be for a shorter time, say ten or fifteen years. It will be up to the community to guide us on this – what do you think? Is ten years too short? Is twenty too long? Let us know.

Contact us with a description of the site and we’ll try to help. If you’re concerned about what you find, let us know! And if you like what you see, let us know too!

No, the Plan will not deal with individual properties or traffic and highway management matters except in relation to planning applications. But we do want to use the principles and vision to get people talking and working together in all kinds of ways to make Park Ward a better place. Although there are strict limits to what the Neighbourhood Plan can do, we see it as a springboard for many other things that need to happen in the Neighbourhood.

We have four priorities: Housing; Open Space; Shopping Areas; and Getting About. For more details on what we are proposing, click on the relevant link on the home page. Then contact us with your views.