Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Spatial Development Framework (SDF) has been developed by the five West Yorkshire local planning authorities - Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield- supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to bring together our region’s ambitions for building, regeneration and a more inclusive economy into a statutory document. The SDF is set out in the joint Development Plan Document (jDPD).

If adopted by the local planning authorities, the Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework will provide a new set of policies for our region that form part of local authorities’ Local Plans. 

As part of West Yorkshire's ambition for an integrated transport network, the Weaver Network, there are plans to introduce Mass Transit – a modern, high-quality public transport system that could include trams, light rail or advanced bus rapid transit. It will connect main economic centres, existing and future neighbourhoods and regeneration sites. This is a once-in-a-generation investment that can help improve how we travel, support new homes and jobs, tackle climate change and create better places to live. 

The Spatial Development Framework is about creating the planning policies for our region on how development should be planned around Mass Transit, not the routes themselves. 

The aim is to make sure new homes, business spaces, services and public spaces are built in the right places, in the right way, to maximise the benefits of Mass Transit. 

The Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework will demonstrate the commitment of local planning authorities to making sure the scheme supports growth in the wider economy. 

Currently no adopted Local Authority Local Plan has specific policies that support the Mass Transit scheme proposals. 

It does not take precedence over or replace Local Plans - these will continue to be the way in which communities and their representatives agree the right spaces and places for housing and employment sites. 

Instead, it will form an additional part of each authority’s Local Plans with policies focussed on making the most of Mass Transit investment in the ways that are best for their local area. 

Mass Transit will offer another way to travel in West Yorkshire that will improve choice and reliability for residents. 

It will connect seamlessly with other modes—buses, rail, walking, and cycling—through the Weaver Network, creating one unified network. Typically, Mass Transit would use one or more modern high-capacity bus, tram or tram-train type vehicle. 

In strengthening travel choice for residents, it can play a key role in supporting the region's economic ambitions making it easier for people to travel for work, learning and leisure. It can increase opportunities to bring forward new housing and regeneration projects, and make it easier for businesses, workers, suppliers and customers to connect.

West Yorkshire Mass Transit is the largest local transport project in the UK right now. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring a multi-billion-pound transport investment to our region. The local planning authorities have recognised the chance to maximise the impact of the scheme by aligning it to National Planning Policy Framework (National Planning Policy Framework - GOV.UK). You can read more about this stage in the local plan development process on the Government’s website (Procedure Guide for Local Plan Examinations - GOV.UK).

Between 29 January and 12 March 2026, a Regulation 18 Consultation was held seeking views on the best way to align the development of Mass Transit with local planning policy. It looked to gain insights from residents and other experts about challenges and opportunities that these planning policies need to address.

This second stage of the consultation - known as Regulation 19 - is to seek views on the soundness and legal compliance of the draft joint Development Plan Document. 

Because Regulation 19 is the final, formal consultation phase before a local plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination, your feedback must specifically address the legal and technical "soundness" of the proposed plan.

• Positively Prepared (meets the area's development and infrastructure needs)
• Justified (an appropriate strategy when compared to other realistic options, and it is based on proportionate evidence)
• Effective (realistic and can be built or completed in the real world)
• Consistent with national policy (matches the broader policy, rules and goals set by the national government)

The Mass Transit scheme is at an early stage with the preparation of the business case currently underway.

The SDF is being prepared to make sure that there are consistent planning policies on Mass Transit in place across West Yorkshire. The Regulation 19 consultation is an important stage in the plan-making process, as it allows stakeholders to review the plan, and its evidence base, before it is submitted to the Government for approval. 

Once the SDF is in place, it will help support the business case for the proposed Mass Transit network.

This Regulation 19 consultation will run for eight weeks from Tuesday 4 August to Sunday 27 September 2026. The publication draft will then be submitted to the planning inspectorate at the end of 2026. 

Once you have reviewed the consultation materials at https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/SDFReg19, or at one of the locations listed across West Yorkshire, please submit your response by completing the survey on the webpage or return a completed printed version to us.

Consultation responses can be submitted online and also:

•        By email - MassTransit@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

•        By post - Freepost WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp needed)

If you have any questions, need to respond in a different way, or require consultation materials in another format, please contact us using the details above, or by phoning us on 0113 245 7676 (Metroline - charged at the standard operator’s rate).

Following consultation, responses will be analysed, a consultation statement will be published, and any necessary changes can be made to the draft plan.

After this the draft plan will go to each local planning authority full council meeting for approval to submit to the government. The Planning Inspectorate will examine the draft plan through an Examination-in-Public process. Those who make representations at regulation 19 stage can attend the Examination and respond to the Inspector’s Matters, Issues and Questions. 

If approved it will then return to each local planning authority for formal adoption, at which point it would officially form part of their Local Plans.

We recognise that where homes and other buildings aligned to a Mass Transit system are built there could be an impact on our environment. We need to align delivery with the West Yorkshire Plan objectives and local planning policy to manage environmental impact.

To ensure this, and in line with statutory requirements, an independent assessment of the plan has been undertaken and collated into an Integrated Sustainability Appraisal. A Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), to assess effects of the draft Plan on European sites has also been conducted and reported separately. 

The assessment processes have provided independent review and challenge to our draft objectives, policies and interventions, and have helped to shape the proposals. These assessments are available to view and comment on as supporting documents as part of this consultation.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is collecting data on behalf of the five West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities for the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework joint Development Plan Document Regulation 19 consultation.

Data will be shared with Arup Group Ltd and Jacobs UK Ltd for the purpose of data analysis, and with the five West Yorkshire Local Planning Authorities as independent data controllers. Additionally, if the SDF is submitted for independent examination, it will be shared with the Planning Inspectorate and the appointed Programme Officer. 

Your name, organisation (if applicable) and comments will be published in an outcome report. Comments will also be used for analysis of the data, including any key findings and themes.

We will retain your information for the duration of the project in accordance with our information retention policy and on the expiration of such period we will safely delete it. As a data subject you have a number of rights under the DPA. These include the right to access the information which we hold about you.

For more information, you can view the Privacy Notice at https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/SDFReg19