Neighbourhood Plan Formally Adopted

A village's Neighbourhood Plan has been adopted by South Tyneside Council's Cabinet.

The Whitburn Neighbourhood Plan has been legally brought into force and will form part of the statutory development plan for the Borough.

The decision follows a referendum which was passed last month, with almost 93 per cent of participating residents voting in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan.

They were asked 'Do you want South Tyneside Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Whitburn Neighbourhood Area to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?'

Neighbourhood plans allow communities to help choose where new homes, shops and offices should be built, to influence the design and appearance of new buildings and open spaces, however they must be in line with the Council's strategic Local Plan.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said: "Now that the Whitburn Neighbourhood Plan has been formally adopted, it will be used to help inform decisions on planning applications in the local area and guide development.

"Neighbourhood Plans are an important means for local residents to have their say on the future of places where they live, and to help shape growth, however they must comply with the council's Local Plan and national policies."

For further information, visit https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2901/Whitburn-neighbourhood-planning