THE proposals to designate Addingham a Neighbourhood Area has gained support from councillors and is to be referred to Bradford Council’s ruling executive.

If agreed it will clear the way for the village to draw up its own Neighbourhood Plan, giving members of the community greater say in decisions made by authorities which affect the area.

Two other communities in Wharfedale – Burley-in-Wharfedale and Ilkley – have already gained Neighbourhood Area designations and began the work on producing their own plans.

Bradford Council’s executive is not expected to consider Addingham’s Neighbourhood Area designation until this summer, following the council elections.

Once the designation has been granted, says ward and parish councillor, Adrian Naylor, the task of carrying out community engagement over the formulation of the plans itself will be the responsibility of Addingham Parish Council.

The designation will also give the village access to funding for the production of its Neighbourhood Plan.

Education provision and the design of new houses built in Addingham are expected to be among the issues which come to the fore in the future public consultation.

It is hoped Neighbourhood Plans will eventually work alongside Bradford Council’s Local Plan in influencing decisions on local development, as well as the infrastructure, services and facilities required to cater for a growing population.