The Planning for BME Communities project, funded by Integreat Yorkshire and run by Yorkshire Planning Aid, supports people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities to understand and engage with the planning system. This is achieved by running training sessions on the planning system and consultation workshops on planning documents which affect local people. It also seeks to raise general awareness of the role the planning process plays in every day life.

A number of events will take place over the coming months.

Hull: On the 28 August, Yorkshire Planning Aid will be helping communities in Hull comment on three Local Development Framework documents – the Core Strategy and two Area Action Plans affecting the east and west of the city.

Calderdale: In September, consultation will continue on Calderdale’s Core Strategy, building up links with various community groups and arranging a number of facilitated workshops for October.

Kirklees: Work is underway for two training days on planning applications in October in the Kirklees region, one in Huddersfield and one in Batley.

Bradford: Ongoing consultation with community groups in Bradford will take place throughout September and October on Bradford’s Core Strategy and the City Centre Area Action Plan.

Future work is also planned in Rotherham and Leeds for the autumn/ winter.

If you would like to be involved in any way or for more information, please contact Lynsey Brownnutt, the BME Project Worker, on 0113 2378425, or by email on lynsey.brownnutt@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk