Borough residents asked to share their views on a new South Tyneside Local Plan
South Tyneside residents are being asked to give their views on a new Local Plan.
A new vision for South Tyneside’s future – to supersede one recently agreed after months of wrangling – is set to be shaped in part by the public.
For the next six weeks, residents can have their say about their priorities for the coming years in key areas including housing and the environment.
Council chiefs are seeking their views about what should be included in the borough’s new Local Plan, called ‘Delivering Ambitions: South Tyneside Local Plan’.
A new Local Plan
The plan is a formal document that must be submitted by local authorities within a set timeframe to the government.
It sets out how a council will seek to develop areas including housing, jobs, infrastructure, transport and community facilities.
Such was the opposition to some of its proposals, including a bid to build hundreds of homes on Green Belt land, that a public inquiry was held.
Just days after it was passed, the council announced it had to start work on a new plan, which will take precedence when compiled and approved.
It says national planning policy means it is compelled to prepare a document that reflects latest government guidance.
‘Listening to local people and understanding what matters’
An initial ‘scoping consultation’, seeking the views of residents, starts today (Monday, September 7) and will run until Monday, October 19.
Cllr Dave Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment, said: “This is the first step in shaping a new Local Plan for the borough, as required under the reformed planning system.
“This early-stage consultation is not about identifying sites for development. It is about listening to local people and understanding what matters to them.
“We’ll be seeking views about the challenges and opportunities facing South Tyneside and priorities for the borough's future.
“The Local Plan will play a vital role in guiding how our borough grows and changes in the years ahead.
“It helps make sure development happens in sustainable locations, supports investment in jobs and services and gives the council stronger planning policies to help refuse inappropriate development proposals.”
The current plan will remain in place until a new one is adopted.
Residents can submit their views by visiting www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/5259/Have-your-say.