OFFICIALS have explained why a key planning meeting has been brought forward.

Earlier this week a top Huddersfield Conservative accused Kirklees Council of “subverting democracy” by trying to push through the Local Development Framework (LDF) ahead of May’s elections.

The controversial plan, backed by the ruling Labour group, as well as opposition Lib Dems, Greens and independents, could lead to 22,470 new homes in the district in the next 15 years.

Kirklees Tories have proposed allowing 18,000 houses by 2028.

Councillors had been due to vote on the LDF in June.

But this week it emerged that the meeting has been brought forward by three months to March 6.

Bill Armer, who will stand for the Conservatives in Ashbrow in May, accused Kirklees this week of “subverting democracy”.

The anti-LDF campaigner claimed officials had brought forward the meeting ahead of a possible Tory victory in this year’s Kirklees Council elections.

But the local authority has claimed that legal changes mean the decision could be made sooner than expected.

Councillors had been due to make a final ruling on the blueprint at a special meeting last November.