Have your say on plan for Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park Authority is calling on residents, communities and businesses to take part in the development of its new Local Plan.
Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority. Picture by Simon WilliamsTony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority. Picture by Simon Williams
Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority. Picture by Simon Williams

The authority is reviewing its local planning policies to ensure that they are fit for the future and is seeking public views on development within the Park over the next 20 years through a series of consultation events.

Tony Gates, chief executive of the Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “We know that people care passionately about Northumberland National Park, we also know the people who live and work in the Park value how special it is, and that they want to live in vibrant, thriving communities with facilities and services which make them a sustainable place to live.

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“The National Park Authority has a specific responsibility to maintain a balance between the need for new development such as housing, employment, tourism, leisure and local services which contribute to the overall quality of life for people within the Park, and provide facilities for our 1.4million visitors, with the need to protect the natural, historical and built environment in one of England’s finest landscapes.

“Moving forward, it is essential for us to have a new Local Plan in place to make sure that we effectively manage future development so that it meets the needs of everyone who lives, works and visits the National Park.

“We have identified a number of key issues for the Local Plan such as the provision of community services, housing and employment. We would like to know what people think our future planning policies should be in order to address these issues.

Drop-in sessions take place on Thursday, March 23, in Rothbury’s Jubilee Hall and on Wednesday, March 29, in Wooler’s Cheviot Centre, both 2pm to 7pm.

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There are also community workshops on Thursday, April 6, in Kirknewton Village Hall; Wednesday, April 12, in Elsdon Village Hall; and on Thursday, April 20, in Harbottle Village Hall, all 2pm to 5pm.

For more information, visit www.nnpa.org.uk/localplan consultation