Neighbourhood Plan - Background

The Localism Act 2011 gives parish councils and other relevant bodies new powers to prepare statutory neighbourhood plans to help guide development in their local area. These powers give local people the opportunity to shape new development as planning applications are determined in accordance with national planning policy and the local development plan. A Neighbourhood Plan forms parts of this local planning framework

Once made (adopted), Neighbourhood Development Plans have statutory weight, because they become part of the development plan for the area. Decision makers have to take what the Burley-in-Wharfedale Neighbourhood Development Plan says into account when making decisions on planning applications

Although neighbourhood planning gives more power to local communities to say what goes on in their area, there are limitations. Neighbourhood plans must take account of national planning policy; and be in line with the strategic planning policy set out in the City of Bradford’s development plan

Engaging Residents, Businesses and Stakeholders

All Neighbourhood Plans have to be prepared following the procedure set out by government. Central to this procedure is the community engagement which is necessary to a) ensure the key community issues are identified and b) ensure that the plan has been prepared by taking in to account the views of those who live, work and carry out business in the area.

High Level Summary

Burley is the first parish council in Bradford to put forward a Neighbourhood Plan, so the process has been somewhat protracted since we have had to forge new processes within Bradford that will help the nine other councils that are following on behind.

The plan itself enables residents to have a greater say over how Burley should grow in the years to 2030. While it doesn’t permit Burley to define the number or location of new developments, it does enable residents to vote in favour of a positive vision for the future. The Neighbourhood Plan sets out policies and guidelines for future development which everyone wanting to make any changes in the village will have to observe.

Our vision is to ensure that over future decades, Burley retains the attractive conservation area centre, and green belt surrounding border, which includes Ilkley Moor and its link down to the River Wharfe. Whilst the village will grow, this must be proportionate to its infrastructure and Burley will remain separated from neighbouring communities by green spaces. New developments will be designed to conserve and enhance the character of Burley, and to ensure that development needed to sustain the village is well located and designed and sympathetic to the distinctive local character. Such developments will be integrated into the community, benefiting both existing and new residents while enhancing the Wharfe Valley. Open spaces and community services will be improved and new ones created when needed – so that the village and its facilities work well for all its residents and visitors.

The Burley-in-Wharfedale Neighbourhood Development Plan and supporting documents are available on the Bradford website.

While there was no obligation on a Parish Council to put together a Neighbourhood Plan, it has been an opportunity to help shape our future. The Parish Council has consulted widely and on several occasions and is unanimously of the belief that it will serve the village in the long term.