West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is seeking support from Kirklees Council and other West Yorkshire authorities (Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, and Wakefield Councils) for the joint production of a Mass Transit SDF DPD (with WYCA acting as co-ordinator). This would be a high-level document setting out the vision for a West Yorkshire wide Mass Transit system providing an overarching framework for Local Plans and more detailed policy guidance.
Additional benefits of an SDF DPD are:
· To support WYCA’s business case for a MT network.
· To support a Transport and Works Act Order which will grant the line and stations deemed consent (or planning permission).
To raise awareness of the proposal, a report will be presented to Cabinet for ratification. A decision to proceed with the production of a joint Mass Transit SDF DPD is a decision of Council.
Background papers
Local Development Scheme Revisions – Cabinet 8th July 2025
Background information
Officer technical working groups with WYCA and West Yorkshire authorities on the vision and development of potential options has led to the consideration of a joint MT SDF DPD to support the delivery of a West Yorkshire wide Mass Transit system.
At the WYCA Transport Committee on 14th March 2024, the Combined Authority approved the allocation of up to £1 million funds from the Mass Transit budget to support the feasibility of the Dewsbury Line Development Project.
WYCA undertook consultation on a Mass Transit Vision between 17th October 2022 and 16th January 2025: West Yorkshire Mass Transit Vision 2040 | Your Voice
To demonstrate support for Mass Transit to the Department of Transport, all West Yorkshire authorities were asked to agree the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Vision 2040 (August 2023) Mass Transit Vision 2040 (westyorks-ca.gov.uk). Kirklees Council signed up to the vision and is named in the document. However, it should be stated, that the adoption of the vision only commits the council to supporting the scheme in principle subject to further detailed work to be undertaken.
WYCA undertook consultation on Mass Transit Phase 1: (Leeds Line and Bradford Line): Mass Transit Hub | Your Voice between 15th July 2024 and 30th September 2024.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects 2 or more wards;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 09/06/2025
Decision due: 17 Sep 2025 by Cabinet, Council
Lead member: Portfolio Holder - Finance & Regeneration
Lead director: Executive Director for Place
Department: Finance and Regeneration
Contact: Mathias Franklin, Head of Planning & Building Control Email: mathias.franklin@kirklees.gov.uk, Elaine Orme Email: elaine.orme@kirklees.gov.uk, Johanna Scrutton Email: johanna.scrutton@kirklees.gov.uk.
Members/Officers Involved: Cllr G Turner – Finance and Regeneration Cllr M Crook – Deputy Leader and Transport and Housing David Wildman – Interim Service Director Skills and Regeneration. Mathias Franklin – Head of Planning and Development Jo Scrutton – Policy and Strategy Group Leader, Elaine Orme – Senior Planning Policy Officer, Cllr G Turner