The Local Development Framework is the first consultation stage for Bradford’s Local Plan, the single most important document in terms of the district’s planning needs over the next 15 years or so.

Which is why it is staggering that having invited public consultation, the Council now appears to be unwilling to put the responses online so everyone can see them.

Around 1,200 people commented on the framework, and even though all have been scanned in digitally, anyone who wants to see them must go to City Hall to do so.

This is an unnecessary barrier, and it is no wonder Coun Anne Hawksworth is asking questions about the openness of the process.

If the documents are already available in electronic form and can be viewed on computer in the Council office, then what is the reason for not putting them on the internet for all to access without the inconvenience of having to trawl into City Hall during its opening hours and go through the process of asking to use a computer there?

With more than 45,000 new homes proposed, many people have concerns about where these houses will go.

It is vital everyone has every opportunity possible to view any relevant information.

The second and final draft is expected to be released in November, and there will be another round of public consultation then, but that will be the final opportunity and everyone must take the time to look at it and to have their say if necessary.

In the meantime, the Council should reconsider its inflexible attitude on allowing comments already received to go online.