City's management of natural resources put under scrutiny

PEOPLE across Leeds are being invited to have their say about how natural resources and waste in the city are managed.

The Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan will identify where land will be needed to manage resources like minerals, energy, water and waste in the future. It will also identify ways to use natural resources more efficiently.

Coun Andrew Carter, leader of the council and executive member for development, said: “This important strategy will eventually provide us with a framework for managing the use of natural resources across the city.

“In these challenging times, it is important that we have a longer term planning strategy for the whole of Leeds, in order to demonstrate confidence and commitment to the city and its communities.”

The document has a number of aims, including:

n Ensuring the responsible use of natural resources such as minerals, water and energy.

n Predicting future pressures on resources, such as climate change and development, and planning for these by reducing flood risk, improving air quality and increasing renewable energy provision.

n Increasing waste recycling and processing so less waste goes to landfill.

The council is carrying out an informal public consultation on the plan for six weeks from January 18 to March 1.

Officers will be at the following events: Today, Kirkstall – Morrisons, 10am-2pm; Tuesday, January 26, Killingbeck – Asda, 10am-2pm; Thursday, January 28, Crossgates Shopping Centre, 10am-2pm; Friday, January 29, Seacroft – Tesco, 10am-2pm; Saturday, January 30, Merrion Centre – Leeds city centre, 10am-2pm; Tuesday, February 2, Hunslet – Morrisons, 10am-2pm; Friday, February 5, Otley – Waitrose, 10am-2pm; Wednesday, February 10, Moor Allerton – Sainsbury’s, 10am-2pm; Thursday, February 11, Headingley Library, 10am-2pm; Saturday, February 23, White Rose Centre, 10am-2pm and Thursday, February 25, Wetherby Library, 10am–2pm.

The report can be viewed at the Development Enquiry Centre, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD, Monday-Friday 8.30am–5 pm (Wednesdays 10am – 5pm) and at libraries and one-stop centres across Leeds.

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