The charter sets out what anyone who submits a planning application can expect from the process, how the council will consult with residents on the various types of planning applications, and what is then done with the feedback.
The updates to the charter are focused on better supporting businesses wanting to grow, and developers looking to create new homes to meet future demand. This includes changes to make the planning process more efficient, with the council aiming to speed up decision-making.
The updated charter also highlights the importance of using Kirklees Council’s ‘Pre-Application Service’ before submitting a formal application, to ensure a smoother process overall.
These updates are a result of much feedback and engagement, including an internal review and consultation with the council’s regular agents and developers, and is part of a bigger picture in terms of the council’s updates to planning procedures. The council has already taken steps to simplify its planning processes, including reducing the number of planning committees in Kirklees.
Prior to this update, the Development Management Charter was last updated to reflect some of the difficulties faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, many of which are no longer beneficial.
The updated Development Management Charter is now available to view on Kirklees Council’s website.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says:
“It’s important for us to keep listening to local residents, businesses and developers, whilst working towards the best possible future for Kirklees as a whole. We know that people want a quicker and more responsive planning service, and the newly updated Development Planning Charter is one of our steps to offering just that.
“The key thing is finding ways to speed up our planning processes whilst still making sure we’re giving local residents plenty of opportunities to get involved, and encouraging businesses and potential partners to see Kirklees as a great place to for all kinds of development.”
