Introduction

The three parishes of Bamburgh, Beadnell and N Sunderland have decided to prepare a neighbourhood plan.

This area has faced significant development pressure in the past and will continue to do so in the future. It’s an area where people want to come to visit and to live.  Development isn’t a bad thing: people need houses – especially houses they can afford to live in. Businesses need people. We all need visitors. But the mix, the style, the location, the constraints are things that should be set locally. Hence a neighbourhood plan.

What is a neighbourhood plan?

The introduction of neighbourhood planning is part of wider changes to the planning system in the Localism Act 2011. The Act aims to shift decision making from central government to communities and councils. Neighbourhood planning allows parish councils to prepare a plan for their area, in close consultation with residents, businesses and other local organisations.

They will be able to:

• Define where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built
• Have their say on what those new buildings should look like
• Establish planning policies for the development and use of land

These statements and policies will be drawn together into a neighbourhood plan which will, after being checked and confirmed in a local referendum, become a legal document that is part of the planning framework.

The development of the plan will be supported by Northumberland County Council as the local planning authority.

What will happen?

The Neighbourhood Plan will be developed by the members of the three parishes – people who live here, work here, go to school here, shop here or have social connections. They know the community best and can help in identifying sites which would be suitable for housing, business or other forms of community-related development which will shape the long term future.

The Plan is important for everyone because, if a vote at a referendum is successful, it will be a legal document and decisions on planning applications will be required to be made in accordance with your Neighbourhood Plan.

How will we organise it?

A pre-meeting primarily of parish councillors took place in mid October to confirm the approach and to agree the formation of a small Steering Group. This will initially be drawn from the Parish Councils and the County Councillor and will lead the efforts and ensure that the correct procedural matters are followed by the community. The first task, apart from legal formalities, will be to organise a launch event early in 2014.

There will be opportunities now, and over the coming months for you to engage and contribute to the Plan so please get involved as this is an important opportunity for everyone to help shape your community.

 

If you have any comments or questions about the Neighbourhood Plan please send them to coastalnplan@gmail.com, or contact anyone on the parish councils or John Woodman, our County Councillor.