THE advanced stages of a plan to safeguard the future of a Worth Valley parish were outlined to councillors at a meeting in Cross Roads.

The chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council said "fantastic" progress had been made on the parish's Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) over the last 12 months.

Delivering his annual report to the parish council, Cllr David Mahon said: "The amended plan is due to go back to the parish council over the next few months, and if passed it will then be handed over to Bradford Council.

"It will then be further consulted on and amended if required, before coming back to the residents of the parish to be voted upon.

"It is hoped that if passed this will not only be a legally binding document but also one that provides the area with much more protection and consideration when development proposals are presented to the district council."

Cllr Tito Arana, chairman of the NDP working group, said it was important not to rush these last stages of the plan, however keen people are to see the lengthy process completed.

The NDP is designed to shape and influence the parish's long-term future, covering topics such as housing, the environment, transport, tourism and agriculture.

Once finalised and approved it will be adopted by Bradford Council and will be used to help determine planning applications.