The Spen Valley has to accommodate 3,400 extra homes by the year 2016, planners have revealed.

A huge public consultation exercise is under way in the area to allow people to have their say on the new Local Development Framework (LDF) which replaces the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) in providing planning guidance. Planners must identify sites suitable for housing, industry and public open spaces.

Kirklees Planning policy manager Patrick Auterson said the LDF would replace the UDP when legislation went through in June or July.

"The LDF is supposed to be receptive to community feelings and will link in with community strategies which every authority has to have," he said. "Unlike Bradford, we are not reviewing the UDP in Kirklees but are adopting the LDF as soon as the legislation starts."

Kirklees Council carried out an urban capacity study to assess how much new housing was required in built-up areas by 2016 and this suggested 3,400 new homes in Spen alone. Three-quarters of these would be built on brownfield sites - previously developed land or conversions of mills.

"This would mean a 50 per cent increase in the level of completion compared with the 1990s, concentrated within built-up areas," said Mr Auterson. "We're now inviting people to comment on the issues like how far it's acceptable for housing to replace industry."

The first of such exercises took place at the Spen Valley Area Committee on December 9 where people were invited to fill in a questionnaire giving their opinions, ideas and feedback.

"Nobody can say 'we're not having any housing at all'," said Mr Auterson. "But we are receptive to the point that in some areas there might be good reasons why that much new housing won't be acceptable."

Planners will address Birstall & Birkenshaw Area Committee in March and locals will be invited to participate. By mid-March, the council will begin to analyse people's suggestions and write a report to give an overall outlook for Spen.

Councillor Gordon North (Lab, Spen) said: "We can certainly do this (build 3,400 houses) - it's a case of how we do it. The Government is imposing this because there's a demand for it. We should leave the sanctity of the green belt to serve its purpose of separating communities but look at some of the places that are of no amenity value."

Anyone who would like more information can call either Susan Mahon or Matthew Good on (01484) 221627 or e-mail susan.mahon@kirklees.gov.uk.