A new consultation on proposed updates to documents which relate to Barnsley’s Local Plan is now open. 

 The Local Plan, adopted in January 2019, contains policies to be considered when reviewing planning applications. Supplementary planning documents (SPDs) contain further advice and explain how these policies will be applied. 

A number of SPDs were adopted following the approval of the Local Plan, including:

• Biodiversity and Geodiversity
• House Extensions and Other Domestic Alterations
• Financial Contributions for Educational Provision (formerly Financial Contributions to Schools).

 Amendments to these documents have been proposed to clarify some issues and improve their implementation.  

We’re asking for your views on the three revised SPDs during the consultation period running from Monday 3 July to Tuesday 8 August 2023. Comments received will be considered when drafting the final versions. 

Cllr Janine Moyes, Cabinet Support Member for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We’re working hard to bring more jobs and investment to Barnsley, and with that comes planning applications for new buildings. We’re also required by the government to deliver at least 900 additional homes a year.

“That’s why it’s so important our planning process is robust so we can ensure we have appropriate and sustainable growth. We all have a part to play in helping Barnsley to be net zero carbon by 2045, protecting our borough for future generations.

“These updates to our supplementary planning documents will support the aims of our local plan for a sustainable Barnsley over the long term, and we welcome local people’s views to help shape the final versions. Please visit barnsley.gov.uk/DraftSpdConsultation to take part.”

You can find out more about the proposed changes, read the consultation document and make your comments using our online forms on our website at barnsley.gov.uk/DraftSpdConsultation

The documents can also be viewed online or as paper copies at the Library @ the Lightbox, 1 The Glass Works, Barnsley Town Centre, and at all branch libraries across the borough, during normal opening hours. You can access the internet for free at all libraries in Barnsley.   

If you can’t complete the online form, you can also submit your comments by emailing planningpolicy@barnsley.gov.uk or writing to Planning Policy, Regeneration and Culture, Barnsley Council, PO Box 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG. Please only use one method of reply to avoid duplication.

Comments must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 8 August 2023.