Site call-out as preparations for new Local Plan get underway

25 Jul 2025

Northumberland County Council is starting its preparations for a new Local Plan for the county - and inviting landowners and others with an interest in land to suggest possible sites for a range of future development uses for consideration.   

Sites to accommodate the needs of new and expanding businesses delivering jobs in Northumberland are particularly encouraged, together with those that will support affordable homes and housing for older and vulnerable residents.   

Cabinet member for Housing and Planning, Councillor Colin Horncastle said: “This is the start of a major project to enable us set out clearly where, what type and how much development is needed in the county over the next 20 years. 

“At our July Cabinet meeting, we approved a Northumberland Local Plan Evaluation report that concluded that, while the current Local Plan continues to be effective, there is now an opportunity for communities to be involved in shaping a new plan.   

“This will guide future growth in the county and importantly will help us be ready for when changes in national planning policy start to impact the effectiveness of strategic policies in the plan.   

“It will also ensure that opportunities for economic and housing growth will match local priorities and can be appropriately planned.  

“As a new plan is prepared, the Council will be consulting widely with communities across Northumberland.”  

The ‘call for sites’ represents one of the first steps in preparing a new Local Plan. Submitted sites will be assessed, and if found to be suitable will be considered for meeting development needs across the county.    

The ‘call for sites’ is available on the Council’s website at https://nland.cc/sitecall  and will remain open until 30 September.