Residents of Humshaugh  in the Tyne Valley now have more of a say over future development in their parish, following a successful referendum which will result in the adoption of a neighbourhood plan for their area. 

A local referendum held in the parish at the end of January returned a majority vote (86%) in favour of Northumberland County Council and Northumberland National Park Authority using the Humshaugh  Neighbourhood Plan to help to decide planning applications in the Parish in the future. 

The Humshaugh Neighbourhood Plan will form a key part of the planning system 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.  

The Plan was prepared by Humshaugh arish Council who were supported throughout the process by the County Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Team.  
 

It focusses on a range of planning issues identified by the local community. These include protecting and enhancing community facilities and local services, supporting housing development suitable for the Parish, preserving the natural environment including valued local green areas, and protecting the rural character of the Parish. 

The Humshaugh Parish Neighbourhood Plan will now go forward to be formally 'made' by the County Council and the National Park Authority to become part of the statutory development plan for the area.   
 

Northumberland County Councillor Colin Horncastle, cabinet member for Looking after our Environment said: "This neighbourhood plan is testament to the hard work of many dedicated people in this community, and I am very pleased to see it come into effect.” 
 

Work is under way on the preparation of neighbourhood plans in over 25 other parishes across Northumberland, while 28 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. 
 

The Humshaugh Parish Neighbourhood Plan and accompanying documents can be viewed on the County Council’s Neighbourhood Planning website at: www.northumberland.gov.uk/ourplan