People in Aireborough could get a greater chance to shape the development of their area if an application to Leeds City Council is approved.

The council is being asked to officially designate Aireborough as a neighbourhood planning area – a scheme designed to give local people more say.

The application has been submitted by Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum, which will be the body running the process.

A consultation on the issue is being held until May 30, and people should visit the website at leeds.gov.uk/council/Pages/Neighbourhood-planning.aspx to find the relevant documents.

Jennifer Kirkby, the Forum’s acting programme manager, said: “If all goes to plan, then we will launch the Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum officially at an AGM on the afternoon of June 14, at an event in Cooper’s, Guiseley. This meeting will include the election of people to the Management Board.   “We will also be launching the different topic groups for members to join to start gathering the evidence we need to tackle issues for the neighbourhood plan. 

Topic groups cover: green infrastructure, infrastructure, housing, economy, civic facilities, transport, and conservation and design.  “One of the key features of the plan, will be to identify what makes Aireborough different, what the assets of the area are, and what strengths we want to build on to make this a better place to live – so a project on ‘brand Aireborough’ is being initiated.

To help with this we will be working with Aireborough Camera Club on a photographic competition ‘My Aireborough’, as well as with the Civic Society and others on identifying area assets.”  The group has been given a £7,000 government neighbourhood planning grant.