The Evidence Base is the information and data gathered by local authorities to justify the "soundness" of the policy approach set out in Local Development Documents, including physical, economic, and social characteristics of an area. All LDDs will need to be founded on an up to date and robust evidence base.
The following documents are part of the Evidence Base for the LDF:-
Urban Potential Study
The Council are currently compiling an Urban Potential Study for the Bradford District. The purpose of the Study is to assess the development potential of previously developed land and buildings. This will inform the need to safeguarded land and any need to review the green belt. The results of the Urban Potential Study are likely to be finalised in early 2008. A paper was produced outlining the approach to be taken and consulted upon in autumn 2006. The consultation on this paper has now closed.
Bradford District Employment Land Review Study
The purpose of the review is to identify an up to date, balanced and robust portfolio of locally important employment sites and to safeguard new and existing employment areas for employment uses as part of the Local Development Framework. It will provide the evidence base and an analysis of the District's employment factors on which to develop appropriate area based employment policies and proposals which will guide the economic development and regeneration of the District. It aims to ensure that the District has a diverse and sufficient supply of employment land in the right locations to sustain a successful local economy.
The Employment Land Review will entail two main components:
- An assessment of the demand in both quantitative and spatial terms for land in the district for the main employment uses.
- To assess the extent and suitability of the existing supply of employment land in the district and identify where gaps/shortfall exists in the types of site location to suit anticipated market demand in the district.
The Employment Land Review Study is due for completion towards the end of 2007
Bradford District Retail Study
The aim of this study is to provide an up-to-date comprehensive picture of current and future capacity for retailing and leisure in Bradford Metropolitan District, which will be used to accurately determine planning applications and to inform the emerging Local Development Framework. This study will also assess the existing network of larger and smaller centres in Bradford Metropolitan District and the function and effectiveness of the current retail hierarchy.
The objectives of the study are to:-
- Undertake a ‘health check’ on the vitality and viability of the City and Town Centres and District and Local Centres in accordance with advice set out in Planning Policy Statement 6 – Planning for Town Centres.
- Confirm the appropriateness of or suggest amendments to the Bradford Replacement Unitary Development Plan (adopted October 2005) defined City, Town, District and Local Centre boundaries.
- Quantitative and Qualitative assessment of the need (in accordance with PPS6 advice) and justification for additional retail and leisure development up to 2008, 2013 and 2018.
- Assess the potential for incorporating additional retail and leisure developments within City, Town, District and Local Centres
- Advise on the need to plan for expansion or contraction of the Centres within the Bradford District.
- An assessment of the net ‘leakage’ of retail expenditure from the Bradford catchment area to:- a) competing retail centres, b) catalogue shopping, and c) internet shopping.
- Advise on the relevant retail hierarchy of Bradford Metropolitan District’s Centres within the Leeds City region context.
- Advise on a strategy for retail and leisure development through recommendations, so as to inform the emerging Local Development Framework.
The Retail Study is due for completion in early 2008.
Bradford District Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment
The purpose of this study is to undertake an assessment of quantity and quality of all open spaces and outdoor sport and recreation in line with ‘PPG17 – Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation’ typology and community needs within the District.
Bradford District Built Recreational Facilities Assessment
The purpose of this study is to undertake an assessment of quantity and quality of all built recreational facilities and community needs within the District.
Bradford District Strategic Flood Risk Assessment
The purpose of the study is to identify areas of the District at risk from flooding and the impact on development potential within the District.
Updates on all of the above Evidence Base documents will be provided on this page in due course.
