New plan aiming to boost population of Northumberland National Park gets the green light

The Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) Board have approved a suite of policies for future development in its revised Local Plan.

There will be notably increased flexibility towards the building of new housing, as well as a focus on the conversion of existing properties.

It makes plans for new development over the next 20 years, with the development of principal residences focused in 13 locations – Alwinton, Charlton, Elsdon, Falstone, Greenhaugh, Harbottle, Holystone, Ingram, Kirknewton, Lanehead, Rochester, Stannersburn and Stonehaugh.

Developments will also be permitted in open countryside as long as it is an appropriate scale without harming the Park’s special qualities.

Susannah Buylla, interim head of planning at NNPA said: “We’ve been working with communities, businesses, organisations and stakeholders to develop this Local Plan over the last four years and it’s incredibly rewarding to see this Local Plan adopted now as the framework for guiding development for the future of Northumberland National Park. The Local Plan comes into effect immediately.”

Glen Sanderson, NNPA chairman said: “These new policies aim to secure the future of the national park as a living, working landscape. The Authority wishes to support new housing development in the park and we are keen to see more people of working age living in this special place.

"An increase in the Park’s population will be crucial to its future economic development and, more importantly, in creating new communities who are invested in helping to protect the unique qualities of Northumberland National Park.”

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