The Local Area
A Proposed Neighbourhood Plan for Bellingham, Wark, Tarset and Greystead
Background
Following a Government invitation to local communities and Local Planning Authorities in England to join the first wave of neighbourhood planning, a cornerstone of the Localism Bill, discussions were held between the National Park Authority and the Chairs of 4 Parish Councils, namely Bellingham, Falstone, Wark, Tarset and Greystead. Although Falstone were not able to commit, a bid was submitted to Government covering the three other Parish Council areas, which resulted in £20k being made available to assist the production of a neighbourhood plan (notified 24th May).
Why this area?
- Similar planning issues such as the parishes, such as ageing population, sustainability of social services, dominance of agriculture and forestry with increasing tourism, low incomes and high house prices;
- Currently, planning is split between National Park and County Council, and a neighbourhood plan would provide a unified approach;
- Increase empowerement of local communities, i.e. surveys suggest local communities here feel less able to influence decisions affecting their local area; and
- To build on and strengthen the existing capacity the community have developed particularly through the parish plan preparation.
Useful contacts and information
Tarset and Greystead Parish Council
Contact us at info@northtyneplan.org.uk