Details have been forwarded by Leeds City Council to inform residents about its latest consultation relating the Leeds Local Plan, specifically the West Yorkshire Mass Transit: Spatial Development Framework Joint Development Plan Document (DPD).
The Leeds Local Plan is made up of several documents that guide how land is used across the district, such as where new homes, jobs and services should be located. Leeds City Council has been working closely with the other West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to prepare a West Yorkshire Mass Transit: Spatial Development Framework Joint Development Plan Document (DPD)
This draft Spatial Development Framework sets out a shared, West Yorkshire?wide approach to planning around current and future Mass Transit routes. It aims to support better transport options, regeneration, and well?planned growth across the region.
Once adopted, it will form part of the Development Plan for all five West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities.
We are now inviting comments as part of the Regulation 18 consultation. The consultation period runs from Thursday 29 January until 23.59 on Thursday 12 March 2026
What This Consultation Covers
The consultation focuses on broad policy areas that relate to Mass Transit corridors, including:
- How development around transit routes and stations should be planned
- Where new homes and jobs could be focused
- Placemaking and design quality
- Supporting walking, cycling and public transport
- Protecting the environment, addressing climate change and managing flood risk
- Ensuring consistent, joined-up planning policy across West Yorkshire
- A criteria?based approach to safeguarding land needed for future Mass Transit infrastructure
What This Consultation Does Not Include
- Specific site allocations for housing, employment or mixed-use
- Local or strategic Green Belt changes
- Detailed safeguarding of routes for Phase 1 or later phases
- Changes to district growth targets
- Replacing Local Plan policies (this plan forms a high-level strategic layer only)
How to Get Involved
This is the first stage of the consultation (known as Regulation 18). We are keen to hear from communities across the Leeds district on the scope and content of the Spatial Development Framework Joint Development Plan Document.
Residents can view the full consultation materials and share your comments in the following ways:
- By email: MassTransit@westyorks-ca.gov.ukor
- By post:FREEPOST, WY MASS TRANSIT SDF JDPD CONSULTATION, WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp needed)
This Issues and Options consultation is open until 23.59 on Thursday 12 March 2026.
Additional Information
Further details on how to respond and where to view documents are set out in the enclosed Statement of Representation Procedure.
The consultation will be carried out in accordance with the Statement of Community Involvement.
Next Steps
Unless you tell us otherwise, we will keep you updated about future stages of the Spatial Development Framework, including further opportunities to comment. Please note:
- All comments will be published (including online) as required by regulation.
- Your information may be shared with the five West Yorkshire planning authorities, WYCA, and specialist advisers supporting this work.
- Anonymous comments cannot be accepted.
- Feedback will be anonymised in published summaries.
If you have questions, require materials in another format, or need help responding, please contact WYCA:
Telephone: 0113 245 7676 (Metroline – charged at the standard operator’s rate) or
Email: MassTransit@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Alternatively, you can contact the Leeds Local Plans team, Email: localplans@leeds.gov.uk