The first ever comprehensive Local Plan covering the entire county has been formally adopted by the council. 
 

It means a final break from the plans of the former district and county councils and it will guide all future planning applications for the period up to 2036. 
 

In February the Plan got the green light from Government – with Full Council approval the last hurdle before adoption. 
 

The Northumberland Local Plan, which includes new planning policies, will guide and detail the scale and distribution of development. 
 

It sets out a range of development proposals as well as planning policies, which will be used to assess applications and guide the location of future development in the county up to 2036.   
 

The Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for independent examination back in May 2019.  
 

Following a lengthy series of hearings during 2019 and 2020, and consultation on a schedule of modifications in 2021, the examination of the Northumberland Local Plan has now concluded. 
 

The Government Inspectors declared the plan ‘sound’, subject to recommended main modifications, earlier this year and their report on the examination of the Northumberland Local Plan has now been published on the council’s website at www.northumberland.gov.uk/localplan 
 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “Adoption of the Plan marks a major milestone for this council and we’re so pleased it’s now been formally adopted. 
 

“Not only does this represent an ambitious strategy for employment growth, it’s progressive and forward looking. 
 

“It also reflects modern approaches to tackling important challenges like climate change, enhancing biodiversity and delivering affordable housing – issues that are of key importance to us.” 
 

Councillor Colin Horncastle, cabinet member responsible for planning, said: “I must pay tribute to everyone within the planning team who has worked tirelessly on this hugely important Plan over the past few years. 
 

"It’s a major strategic document which will underpin all planning considerations for years to come so it was vital we got it right. Adoption of the Plan is a proud moment for the council, the county and all those who have made it happen.”