All decisions on planning matters are made by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) Wakefield MDC.
As a statutory consultee the Ackworth Parish Council work to reflect the priorities and values shared by the community in influencing planning decisions to benefit the community. Ackworth Parish Council has no direct power to approve or refuse planning applications. The Parish Council are able to object to applications and ask questions of the LPA.
Ackworth Parish Council will object to tree felling in the parish unless the tree is dead, dying or in a dangerous condition and will resist any inappropriate development in green belt.
All planning matters are presented to the Parish Council at its monthly meeting and disclosed to the public, and any agreed action will be followed up.
Government planning regulations required Local Authorities to identify Local Service Centres. The Regional Spatial Strategy defines Local Service Centres as "towns and villages that provide services that meet the needs of, and are accessible to people living in surrounding rural areas." Ackworth Moor Top matched this description and so was designated a Local Service Centre in the 2007 Local Development Framework. This designation is to meet the requirement of government planning guidelines. Ackworth is still a village.
If you wish to make a comment about any current application, please do so online at www.wakefield.gov.uk/planning or write to Planning Services, Wakefield One, PO Box 700, Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EB.