Have your say on Northumberland's Local Plan

A consultation has started on proposed modifications to the Northumberland Local Plan, which sets out a range of proposals and planning policies to guide the location of future development in the county until 2036.
Northumberland County Council is inviting residents to have their say on the Local PlanNorthumberland County Council is inviting residents to have their say on the Local Plan
Northumberland County Council is inviting residents to have their say on the Local Plan

The document has been progressing through formal ‘examination’ by a government appointed planning inspector and this eight-week consultation is expected to be the final stage before it can be formally adopted.

The agreed modifications that people can comment on include removing the safeguarded land allocation for employment at Prestwick Pit near Ponteland and retaining this as Green Belt, and proposed substantial planting around the boundaries of employment sites that will be released from the Green Belt at Harwood Meadows, Prestwick Park and Prestwick Pit.

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In addition, there is a commitment to undertake an early update of the plan in relation to assessment of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities, and the justification for protected open space sites.

Northumberland County Council is also inviting comments on a schedule of proposed modifications to the Local Plan Policies Map and extra evidence published by the council since the last consultation held in July to September 2020, among other things.

Coun Colin Horncastle, cabinet member responsible for planning, said: “I am very pleased to see what we expect to be the final consultation on this getting under way and hope that all those with an interest will look at the modifications and let us have their views.

“We look forward to getting the plan finalised and adopted, and for it to begin to drive the sort of future that we want for Northumberland.

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“The new plan reflects modern approaches to tackling important challenges like climate change and enhancing biodiversity. It also seeks to raise the profile of good design and support more active lifestyles through better facilities for walking and cycling.

Comments are invited on the main modifications and other matters until Wednesday, August 4.

Full details are available on the examination website, which is linked from www.northumberland.gov.uk/localplan

Comments should be submitted using the form provided on the website and they can also be sent by post to Planning Strategy, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF.