Broomhaugh & Riding Neighbourhood Plan officially ‘made’
27 Nov 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Residents of Broomhaugh & Riding Parish now have more of a say over future development in their local area.
The Broomhaugh and Riding Neighbourhood Plan which passed independent examination in June 2023 and was successful at a referendum in October was officially adopted, or ‘made’ by Northumberland County Council on November 16.
It will now form a key part of the planning process for this area and be part of the statutory development plan for Northumberland. This means that future planning decisions in the Parish will be made in line with policies in them, unless ‘material considerations’ indicate otherwise
A local referendum held in the Parish in October returned a majority vote (82%) in favour of Northumberland County Council using the Neighbourhood Plan to help to decide planning applications in the Parish.
The Plan was prepared by the Parish Council with considerable involvement of the local community. The making of the Plan is a significant achievement for the Parish and its residents, as it provides a locally-distinctive approach to how development in the area should be treated.
The Plan has seven policies to address a range of planning issues identified by the local community.
The Plan supports better design and includes protections for the assets, including valued green spaces, that make the Parish unique. It backs the development of more sustainable buildings and seeks to improve existing rights of way to encourage more active travel in and around the Parish. And, working within the constraints of the Green Belt, the Plan supports the provision of affordable housing to meet an identified local need.
Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member for looking after our environment at Northumberland County Council, said:
"Neighbourhood Plans give communities real power in the planning process. These pieces of work are led by the communities, allowing them to prioritise what they think is important to the area.”
Work is under way on the preparation of neighbourhood plans in over 30 other parishes across Northumberland, while 21 neighbourhood plans are already in place. The Neighbourhood Planning Team continues to provide dedicated help and practical support to all the local parish councils involved in neighbourhood planning.