- Mass Transit has the potential to transform West Yorkshire
for generations to come
- But only if plans are made purposefully and proactively
around it
- Consultation involving all five West Yorkshire councils
launches - asking for views on how to get the most out of Mass
Transit as it develops
- The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Mass Transit,
and will fund the scheme beyond 2032 - subject to business
case
People, businesses and developers across West Yorkshire are
being asked for their views on how its proposed Mass Transit
system would best support economic growth and development across
the region.
All five West Yorkshire local authorities have today (Thursday)
launched a consultation on a plan to ensure there is a
co-ordinated approach to land use, growth, regeneration and
transport decisions across local boundaries.
It will lead to the creation of a Spatial Development Framework
which will support the delivery of current and future phases of
the Mass Transit programme.
Once adopted by the five West Yorkshire councils, it will form
part of their statutory development plans – the documents which
set out a vision and a framework for the future development of
their areas.
Mass Transit has the potential to accelerate economic and housing
growth, tackle congestion and unreliable journeys, and boost
access to jobs and opportunities, while reducing carbon emissions
and improving air quality – but only if plans are made
purposefully and proactively around it.
The preferred approach, as laid out in the consultation, is to
focus new development around Mass Transit stops and hubs. This
will support new homes, jobs and services within easy walking
distance of Mass Transit links. It will create a framework for
coordinated investment focused where it brings the greatest
benefit.
Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
"Mass Transit – a vital part of our Weaver Network - has the
potential to transform West Yorkshire.
"Our ambition is for a network that stretches across the whole
region, so we need to ensure our plans are strategic,
joined-up and made collaboratively.
"We want your feedback to help us build a Mass Transit
system which delivers the maximum benefits for generations to
come."
The alternative option - leaving everything to individual Local
Plans - would risk less coordinated development, missed
opportunities and weaker social, economic, and environmental
outcomes.
The consultation comes after the Government reaffirmed its
commitment to West Yorkshire Mass Transit - and made a new
commitment to fund the scheme beyond 2032, subject to business
case approval.
Building on this commitment and following an independent review,
the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has developed an updated
sequential timeline which aims to reduce risk and ensure the
project is put firmly on the path for successful delivery.
The Spatial Development Framework consultation will not ask for
feedback on routes, route alignment or things like depots and
park and ride sites.
These details will only be announced following the submission of
key documents to the Government.
The Combined Authority is focused on the submitting the Strategic
Outline Case later this year, a crucial stage that will set out
the evidence for why Mass Transit is essential for West
Yorkshire.
You can respond to the consultation here.
