A date has been set for the referendum on the Blyth Neighbourhood Plan.

All residents in the area who are registered to vote will be able to give their verdict on Thursday, September 10, from 7am to 10pm. They will receive a polling card.

Blyth’s Draft Neighbourhood Plan is a guiding document that has been developed with input from the community and will help shape the future of the town over the coming years.

It includes a focus on the town centre, retail, heritage and open spaces, and balances the need for sustainable growth while preserving Blyth’s natural beauty, character and heritage.

Residents will find details of which polling station to attend on their polling card.

placeholder image — Residents will find details of which polling station to attend on their polling card.

If a majority of residents who vote in the referendum are in favour of the plan, it will be used by Northumberland County Council to make decisions on planning applications in the area.

Residents must remember to take photographic voter ID if they are voting at a polling station. Accepted forms of ID include a photocard driving licence (full or provisional), passport and a concessionary travel pass.

The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for free voter ID.

If you are not registered to vote, you will need to submit an application to register.

Residents should contact the elections team as soon as possible on 01670 624844 if they want to register to vote or register for postal voting.

The Blyth Neighbourhood Plan and accompanying documents can be viewed on the county council’s Neighbourhood Planning webpage.