People, businesses and developers across Leeds and West Yorkshire are being invited to have their say on how the region’s proposed Mass Transit system can best support economic growth, regeneration and new housing.
All five West Yorkshire local authorities have launched a consultation on plans to create a more co-ordinated approach to land use, growth and transport decisions across council boundaries. The work is expected to lead to a new Spatial Development Framework, designed to guide development around the emerging Mass Transit programme and support both current and future phases.
Once adopted by the councils, the framework would form part of their statutory development plans — the documents that set out a long-term vision and the policy basis for future development in each area.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin 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.”
Supporters of the scheme say Mass Transit has the potential to accelerate economic and housing growth, help tackle congestion and unreliable journeys, and improve access to jobs and opportunities. It is also expected to contribute to efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. However, councils and the Combined Authority say those benefits will only be fully realised if development is planned proactively alongside the transport network.
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council said:
“We are ready to welcome mass transit because we recognise the many opportunities it will create for everyone who lives, works and visits our city.
“Feedback from residents, businesses and wider stakeholders is extremely valuable to help ensure that mass transit is delivered in the right way for Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region.”
The preferred approach set out in the consultation is to focus new development around Mass Transit stops and hubs. The aim is to encourage new homes, workplaces and services in locations within easy walking distance of the network, helping to concentrate investment where it can deliver the greatest overall benefit.
The consultation also warns against an alternative approach of relying solely on individual Local Plans, suggesting this could lead to less co-ordinated development, missed opportunities and weaker social, economic and environmental outcomes across the region. The public engagement follows the Government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to West Yorkshire Mass Transit, alongside a further pledge to support funding beyond 2032, subject to business case approval.
Building on that support, and following an independent review, the Combined Authority has developed an updated sequential timeline intended to reduce risk and keep the project on track for delivery.
Residents are also being reminded that the Spatial Development Framework consultation is not seeking feedback on routes, route alignment or infrastructure such as depots and park-and-ride sites. Those details are expected to be confirmed at a later stage, after key documents have been submitted to Government.
For now, the Combined Authority’s focus is on submitting a Strategic Outline Case later this year — a major milestone expected to set out the evidence for why Mass Transit is essential for West Yorkshire and how it will deliver long-term benefits for communities and the economy.
You can respond to the consultation:
Online: www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
By email: masstransit@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
By post: Freepost, WY Mass Transit SDF JDPD Consultation, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (no stamp needed)
