The West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework Joint Committee reconstituted its membership and governance arrangements, appointing Councillor Andrew Judson as Chair and Councillor Peter Carlill as Deputy Chair. The committee also approved the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD) Regulation 19 Consultation report for issuance for consultation.

Reconstituting the Committee and Governance Arrangements

The Joint Committee formally reconstituted its membership and governance arrangements following the May 2026 local elections. Councillor Andrew Judson was elected as Chair for the ensuing municipal year 2026/27, with Councillor Peter Carlill appointed as Deputy Chair. The committee also reappointed the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as the lead authority. Members noted the current membership details and reaffirmed the terms of reference and governance arrangements as set out in the Deed of Agreement. The West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, was also in attendance in a non-voting capacity.

West Yorkshire Mass Transit: Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD) Regulation 19 Consultation Report

The committee considered the outcomes of the Regulation 18 consultation for the Mass Transit SDF JDPD and approved its issuance for Regulation 19 public consultation. This framework is being prepared by the five West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to provide a statutory spatial planning framework supporting the delivery of mass transit across the region. The SDF will align land use, growth, regeneration, and infrastructure investment, and will form part of the statutory development plan for each LPA, carrying full development plan weight alongside adopted Local Plans.

During the discussion, members sought clarification on the process for considering consultation responses and whether further consultation would be necessary if amendments were proposed. Officers explained that all representations would be reviewed, and any proposed changes would be detailed during the submission process. It was noted that only significant issues relating to legal compliance or the soundness of the document would likely require further consideration by the Joint Committee.

Members also requested further information regarding the planned consultation engagement activity, with Katherine Bavage, the Policy Manager for Mass Transit, agreeing to share these details. Emphasis was placed on the importance of ensuring the consultation was widely publicised and accessible, with officers explaining that engagement would occur through various channels, including direct communication, online platforms, media activity, and statutory notices.

The committee resolved to delegate authority for any non-material changes required prior to consultation to an appropriate Chief Planning Officer, working in consultation with the Chair. They also approved the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Joint Development Plan Document (JDPD) Regulation 19 Consultation report for issuance for consultation and agreed that each constituent authority would undertake any necessary constitutional requirements, such as referral for scrutiny, in line with the Joint Member Committee's terms of reference.

The SDF JDPD is a crucial step in the Mass Transit programme, aiming to support economic growth, regeneration, housing delivery, and future investment across West Yorkshire. The Regulation 19 consultation is the final formal stage of public engagement before the document is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. Following this, each District full council will have the opportunity to decide whether to adopt the plan.