The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has decided to seek support from Kirklees Council and other local authorities for the joint production of a Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document.

URL: https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12909

Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is seeking support from Kirklees Council and other West Yorkshire authorities (Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, and Wakefield Councils) for the joint production of a Mass Transit SDF DPD (with WYCA acting as co-ordinator). This would be a high-level document setting out the vision for a West Yorkshire wide Mass Transit system providing an overarching framework for Local Plans and more detailed policy guidance.   Additional benefits of an SDF DPD are:   ·       To support WYCA’s business case for a MT network. ·       To support a Transport and Works Act Order which will grant the line and stations deemed consent (or planning permission). To raise awareness of the proposal, a report will be presented to Cabinet for ratification. A decision to proceed with the production of a joint Mass Transit SDF DPD is a decision of Council.   Background papers Local Development Scheme Revisions – Cabinet 8th July 2025   Background information Officer technical working groups with WYCA and West Yorkshire authorities on the vision and development of potential options has led to the consideration of a joint MT SDF DPD to support the delivery of a West Yorkshire wide Mass Transit system.   At the WYCA Transport Committee on 14th March 2024, the Combined Authority approved the allocation of up to £1 million funds from the Mass Transit budget to support the feasibility of the Dewsbury Line Development Project.   WYCA undertook consultation on a Mass Transit Vision between 17th October 2022 and 16th January 2025: West Yorkshire Mass Transit Vision 2040 | Your Voice   To demonstrate support for Mass Transit to the Department of Transport, all West Yorkshire authorities were asked to agree the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Vision 2040 (August 2023)  Mass Transit Vision 2040 (westyorks-ca.gov.uk). Kirklees Council signed up to the vision and is named in the document. However, it should be stated, that the adoption of the vision only commits the council to supporting the scheme in principle subject to further detailed work to be undertaken.   WYCA undertook consultation on Mass Transit Phase 1: (Leeds Line and Bradford Line): Mass Transit Hub | Your Voice between 15th July 2024 and 30th September 2024.

Content: West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is seeking support from Kirklees Council and other West Yorkshire authorities (Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, and Wakefield Councils) for the joint production of a Mass Transit SDF DPD (with WYCA acting as co-ordinator). This would be a high-level document setting out the vision for a West Yorkshire wide Mass Transit system providing an overarching framework for Local Plans and more detailed policy guidance.   Additional benefits of an SDF DPD are:   ·       To support WYCA’s business case for a MT network. ·       To support a Transport and Works Act Order which will grant the line and stations deemed consent (or planning permission). To raise awareness of the proposal, a report will be presented to Cabinet for ratification. A decision to proceed with the production of a joint Mass Transit SDF DPD is a decision of Council.   Background papers Local Development Scheme Revisions – Cabinet 8th July 2025   Background information Officer technical working groups with WYCA and West Yorkshire authorities on the vision and development of potential options has led to the consideration of a joint MT SDF DPD to support the delivery of a West Yorkshire wide Mass Transit system.   At the WYCA Transport Committee on 14th March 2024, the Combined Authority approved the allocation of up to £1 million funds from the Mass Transit budget to support the feasibility of the Dewsbury Line Development Project.   WYCA undertook consultation on a Mass Transit Vision between 17th October 2022 and 16th January 2025: West Yorkshire Mass Transit Vision 2040 | Your Voice   To demonstrate support for Mass Transit to the Department of Transport, all West Yorkshire authorities were asked to agree the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Vision 2040 (August 2023)  Mass Transit Vision 2040 (westyorks-ca.gov.uk). Kirklees Council signed up to the vision and is named in the document. However, it should be stated, that the adoption of the vision only commits the council to supporting the scheme in principle subject to further detailed work to be undertaken.   WYCA undertook consultation on Mass Transit Phase 1: (Leeds Line and Bradford Line): Mass Transit Hub | Your Voice between 15th July 2024 and 30th September 2024. RESOLVED –   1)    That following and subject to approval (2) at Council, approval be given to the establishment of a Joint Member Committee to oversee the drafting of the joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document. 2)    That the proposal to produce a Joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Part 1 Development Plan Document be submitted to a meeting of Council with a recommendation to approve. 3)    That subject to (1) the proposal to delegate authority for initial early engagement and public consultation (Regulation 18) on the draft joint West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Development Plan Document and to prepare the submission draft and consultation for Regulation 19 to the Joint Member Committee be submitted to a meeting of Council with a recommendation to approve.        

Date of Decision: July 8, 2025