Neighbourhood forum gives residents a voice (From Wharfedale Observer)

Neighbourhood forum gives residents a voice

9:30am Friday 15th June 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A new neighbourhood forum for Aireborough is being launched in Guiseley this month.

The forum, which is being set up by the campaign group WARD, will cover an area that has not had its own council since 1974.

With more and more development and increasing pressure on roads and schools, campaigners say it is a matter of urgency that people in Aireborough have their say on important local issues.

The group, which will represent Guiseley, Yeadon and Rawdon, will hold its inaugural meeting on June 23.

WARD says the 2011 Localism Act and the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework mean local communities can now spatially plan their own areas, looking at issues such as employment, transport, housing and green space.   Parish or town councils will normally be responsible for these neighbourhood development plans, but where there is no council, communities can form their own neighbourhood forums.

WARD has been holding discussions with Leeds City Council about becoming the Neighbourhood Forum for Aireborough.

A spokeswoman said: “We feel it is important that Aireborough has a say on how it develops, and keeps its character, as a matter of urgency; our roads are now congested, our schools nearly full and our green spaces under threat.  “More positively, many people want to build a greater sense of community following the large numbers of new people to the area, and rebuild local employment opportunities and businesses so that living and working in the same area is a real consideration.

“We are now seeking to inform the local areas of Guiseley, Yeadon and Rawdon about neighbourhood development planning, and to begin to understand what people feel are the development issues for Aireborough, as well as the strengths and distinctive character that people want to conserve and build on.”

The first meeting will be held in Guiseley Theatre, from 10am to noon, on Saturday, June 23.

It will include a speaker on planning issues, as well as a question and answers session with MPs Stuart Andrew and Greg Mulholland MP,  Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Graham Latty and Leeds planners.

Anyone who wants to attend should e-mail marketing@WARDyorkshire.org for further information about the event.