A plan driven by the community

West Bedlington Town Council is preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, but what exactly is one of these you may ask? Quite simply, it’s an important planning policy document, led by the community, instead of Northumberland County Council. It defines what’s important to local people to help get the right developments in the right places.

The early work on West Bedlington Neighbourhood Plan was led by the Bedlington Partnership and overseen by West Bedlington Town Council. There was early engagement on issues and options for the Neighbourhood Plan and then a draft plan was consulted on during spring 2021.

Since the consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan, Northumberland County Council adopted the Northumberland Local Plan. As a result, there was a need to review and update the draft Neighbourhood Plan, which also required further work around design, green spaces and heritage.

There will be further consultation on a revised draft Neighbourhood Plan before it is submitted to Northumberland County Council for independent examination. Northumberland County Council will organise further consultation and will appoint an independent examiner to assess whether the plan meets the various legal requirements. Residents within West Bedlington, who are registered to vote, will then be asked if they want the policies within the plan to be used to consider planning applications against, in a referendum.

Vision 

Our draft Neighbourhood Plan has a clear vision:

• By 2036, West Bedlington will comprise a sustainable and cohesive community. There will be an appreciation of the importance of the heritage, which is vital to the area’s sense of place, as well as giving local communities a sense of belonging.
• Improvements will have been made to the local environment, employment opportunities, services and facilities, which will enhance the quality of life of residents. Communities will be well-connected via sustainable transport routes to major employment opportunities as well as greater services and facilities beyond the Plan area.
• The important environmental and historic character of the area will have been maintained and enhanced by ensuring new development is of an appropriate scale and design, as well as reflecting the rural setting of the Plan area. Important green spaces will be protected for the benefit of current and future generations.

Objectives 

There are four main objectives to help us to achieve our vision:

• Quality of life

Ensuring new development is sustainable, contributing positively to the built, historic and natural environment of the Plan area. New development will be managed to ensure that important green spaces are protected.

• Community wellbeing

Building on the strong sense of community across the Plan area and recognising the diverse needs of existing and future residents, by: supporting the provision of different types of housing that people can afford and meet identified needs, including those of an ageing population; and ensuring the local community has access to the services and facilities they need.

• Local economy

Supporting both existing and the creation of new employment opportunities across the Plan area. Protecting and enhancing the vitality and viability of the town centre as an important source of local employment and services.

• Accessibility

Promoting access to sustainable modes of transport which connect local communities to employment as well as the services and facilities they require. Ensuring that the environmental quality of the Plan area is protected by effectively managing traffic.