We are now ready to start the formal
pre-submission consultation on the neighbourhood plan. This is a statutory and
formal process. The consultation lasts for six weeks starting with a drop in
event at the Hub in Seahouses at 6pm on Tuesday 18th July.
The formal notice of the consultation has
the dates of the other drop in events:
The
Parish Councils are required to publicise the Draft Plan and invite comments. Copies
of the Plan will be available for public inspection for a period of not less
than six weeks commencing at 6pm on 18 July 2017 and ending at 6pm on 29 August 2017.
The
Plan and supporting documents will be on line at 6pm on 18 July on http://www.seahouses.org/neighbourhood-plan/
The
Draft Plan will be available for inspection at The Hub, Seahouses
Development Trust, Stone Close, Seahouses, Northumberland NE68 7YL on Monday to Thursday between 10.00am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm
to 4pm.
The
Draft Plan will also be available at drop in sessions where there will also be background
information about the plan:
The
Hub, Tuesday 18 July, 6pm to 8pm; Seahouses Methodist Church, Wednesday 19
July, 10am to 12am; Beadnell WI, Wednesday 19 July, 1pm to 3pm; and Bamburgh
Pavilion, Thursday 20 July, 10am to 12 am.
Any
person, business or organisation may comment on the Plan.
Representations
may be made by email or by post to the above addresses at the top of this
notice.
All
representations must be received by the Parish Councils no later than 6pm on
29 August 2017. All representations will be publicly available and will be
considered by the Parish Councils in producing the final Plan which will then be
submitted to Northumberland County Council as local planning authority for
Independent Examination.
The introduction to the draft plan is as
follows:
“This area is special because of the
natural beauty and isolation of the landscape combined with our cultural
history. But over the last few years it has been damaged by unsuitable
development that in many cases has been in conflict with, rather than
responding to, these characteristics. It is crucial that further development
does not do further damage. These characteristics drive the economy of the area
as well as deserving protection in their own right.
The area also faces the problems
resulting from the success of the visitor economy: house prices are high and
many jobs are seasonal.
These factors are why the three parish
councils of North Sunderland, Bamburgh and Beadnell have come together to
develop this draft neighbourhood plan. Although Northumberland County Council’s
emerging local plan does provide some guidance for this area, we believe that
we should set out specific planning policies and aspirations. Things don’t
stand still: further development will come to the area, and it is important for
the economy and the residents that it does so. But it is also important that
development matches the aspirations of those of us who live here.
The area faces some contentious current
and potential planning applications. This plan is of necessity neutral on
individual applications but sets out principles of good design which respect
the neighbourhood. They will not have planning weight unless the plan is
adopted but we hope future applications take the principles into account.
This draft plan has been based on
consultation with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. This is your
chance to contribute to and comment on a complete draft. I hope you take
advantage of this opportunity – and note that comments in support of any
aspects are just as important as suggested changes.”
