Over 600 people have already taken the opportunity to find out more about the Northumberland Local Plan at local drop-in consultation events and there is an event in Cramlington on Saturday where you are invited to have your say.

In this final six weeks of consultation, before the plan is submitted to Government this May, Northumberland County Council has arranged a total of 23 events – with 14 still to go, one of them being between 10am – 3pm at Concordia Leisure Centre.

The drop-in events are providing opportunities for residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, town and parish town councils, and anyone with an interest in the future of Northumberland to find out more and have their say.

Unlike previous consultations, at this stage the council has to ask specific questions.  These are around whether the plan is ‘sound’, whether it is legal, whether it is an appropriate strategy and whether the council has worked with neighbouring authorities and other organisations to address strategic issues.

The local plan must comply with planning law and be in line with national planning policies.  It must also have been prepared using robust and credible evidence, have properly assessed the need for homes, jobs and infrastructure, and be able to demonstrate that the plan can be delivered.

The council welcomes comments in these areas – which are also the questions that the independent Planning Inspector will be asking as part of the examination later this year.  Guidance will be provided for respondents.

The Local Plan includes all of the main planning policies for the county, and maps out where new homes will be built, new jobs created and new services provided.

It has been designed to grow and diversify the economy of Northumberland, and identifies measures to enable 15,000 new jobs to be created in the county by 2036.

Aiming to protect the Green Belt from new development and preserving the special qualities of Northumberland it will also identify where new homes will be built and where new services and infrastructure are needed to support communities.

The publication draft plan, including an interactive map, are available on the council’s website www.northumberland.gov.uk/localplan  – where you will find details about drop-in events and how to respond to the consultation. An online form and guidance notes will help you to provide your feedback.

You can also view copies of the plan in libraries, customer information centres and council offices.

If you have queries you can email planningstrategy@northumberland.gov.uk or call 0345 600 6400

Consultation closes at 5pm on Wednesday 13 March 2019.