Neighbourhood Planning in Spotlight

Cabinet will next week be asked to renew the Whitburn Neighbourhood Area and Neighbourhood Forum to allow it to lead on planning activity in that part of the Borough.

Neighbourhood forums were created Under the localism Act 2011 to empower residents to influence the future development of their area.

The Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum was designated by South Tyneside Council in 2017, however the designation only lasts five years.

Neighbourhood plans allow residents 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 Mark Walsh, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: "Neighbourhood Planning provides an opportunity for communities to actively influence the type, design, location

and mix of new development in their local area, in addition to getting involved with the preparation of the Local Plan.

"However, a Neighbourhood Forum must be formally designated by the council before it can carry out any planning activity.

"The proposed Area and Forum are considered appropriate and satisfy the legal requirements."

The report will be heard at the next meeting of South Tyneside Council's Cabinet on Wednesday 16 March.