Update: For further information about representations received see Representations and New Sites 2011 under 'Related Links'

Please note this stage has been completed.

The purpose of this stage is to seek views about the 'soundness' of the document before we submit it to Government for independent examination. The comments must relate to whether the proposals are legally compliant (how we have prepared them) and are they sound (are they based on evidence, can they be delivered and are they consistent with national planning policies).

How do I comment ?

1. Make comments online by using the LDF Online Consultation (see `Related Links') where you will be able to refer to the relevant chapters of the Sites document for details of the proposals and then view detailed mapping.
2. Use the LDF Portal (see `Related Links') where you can locate and view sites by address, or by clicking on the location map.  You will be able to see the summary details of any proposals and link to the relevant parts of the Sites document for full details and to add comments.
3. View the Sites document, Proposals Map and supporting information, download and complete the comments form (see `Downloads'), or email your comments to ldf@wakefield.gov.uk.

We have produced guidance notes on 'soundness' and how to view, download and make comments on-line, (see `Downloads'). If you experience any difficulties viewing documents (some of which are large), or making comments then please refer to the guidance notes or Contact Us see 'Related Links'.

All comments should reach the Council by 5pm 6 April 2011.

Commenting online is now the preferred method for making comments which we would urge you to use if possible.  If you have previously made comments on the LDF you may have been pre-registered with the online consultation system, in which case please contact us for your username and password.

If you have not made comments before, registration is simple by visiting the LDF Online Consultation (see 'Related Links').  This will automatically inform you of further developments in the LDF if you provide email contact details.

The Sites document has been subject to a sustainability appraisal to ensure that the proposed development strategy and policies will have beneficial environmental, social or economic effects.  The sustainability appraisal report is also being issued for comment.

We have taken account of comments made in the previous stages of consultation and there have been some changes.  These changes are set out in an explanatory leaflet (see `Downloads').

There are a number of supporting documents which are also available to view and download:

• Sites Assessment Technical Papers – including rejected sites
• Screening Report for the Appropriate Assessment - impact on Denby Grange Colliery Ponds special area of conservation
• Explanatory Leaflet - Key Changes
• Soundness Self-Assessment
• Statement of Pre-Submission Consultation
• Comment Forms and Guidance Notes

A number of other supporting documents are also available:

• The Council has prepared, consulted on and finalised a Site Selection Methodology for the Site Specific Proposals document.  To view a copy of the methodology along with the representations received during the technical consultation in March 2009, (see 'Downloads').
  
• The Council has carried out an assessment of the current infrastructure across the district to see if it is capable of helping to deliver the district's needs for new housing and employment.  A copy of the Infrastructure Study is available for information (see `Downloads').
  
• Evidence on the need for new accommodation for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople has been prepared by the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership and by Local Government Yorkshire & Humber (LGYH).  Copies of these documents are available for information (see `Downloads').
  
• The Council has  undertaken a review of settlement boundaries and this is described in the Settlement Technical Paper (see `Downloads').

The Council has prepared other evidence documents including, Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). For all these documents please see 'Related Links'

There will be an opportunity to speak to an officer at staffed exhibitions across the district at:   

Copies of the submission and supporting documents are available to view at main Council offices and libraries.