FAQs
What
is the Structure Plan?
It
is a key document, produced by the County Council & National
Park Authority, which includes policies for the future use
of land and the protection of the environment in the County.
It sets levels of future development and its distribution
within Northumberland. In doing this it influences the economic
prosperity and social well being of the County.
Why
do we need one?
Apart
from there being a legal requirement to produce a Structure
Plan, it ensures that the provision for development is realistic
and consistent with national and regional policy. It also
provides a framework for the District Councils' local plans
which in turn provide the basis for development control (that
is, the determination of planning applications).
What
is the title of the existing Structure Plan for Northumberland?
Northumberland
County Council & National Park Authority Structure Plan
adopted in May 1996.
What
will the revised Plan be called?
Northumberland
County and National Park Joint Structure Plan.
Why
is the Structure Plan being changed?
The
Government suggests in Planning Policy Guidance Note 12: Development
Plans, that plans should be reviewed in full at least once
every five years, and partial reviews/alterations may be appropriate
(e.g. on particular topic areas) on a more frequent basis.
The timing and frequency of a Structure Plan review will depend
on numerous factors, including the publication of new national
and regional planning guidance and changing local circumstances.
Regional
Planning Guidance for the North East published November 2002
is one of the main reasons for the need for an immediate review
of the Structure Plan. Similarly, the publication of revised
Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing, has highlighted
the need for new approaches to be taken; for instance, the
need for a sequential test when allocating land for future
housing development and the need to undertake urban housing
capacity studies. Other factors include the ongoing changes
to population and household projections and progress on the
County Council Local Transport Plan.
How
long has the County had a Structure Plan?
The
first Structure Plan was published in 1982. (However prior
to this there were other similar documents).
Where
do the housing figures come from?
The
housing figures are based on information provided by the Government
on future population growth, household formation, migration
and on locally produced forecasts. These figures, set out
in Regional Planning Guidance (RPG), allocate the annual number
of dwellings to be provided in each County for a given period
of time. RPG 1 for the North East currently covers the period
2002-2016.
Is
the Structure Plan just to do with housing?
No,
the Structure Plan includes policies on a wide range of other
issues such as employment, transport, town centres, tourism,
major development, landscape, archaeology, water resources,
pollution and energy.
How
long has the County Council & National Park Authority
got to devise a new plan?
There
is no deadline for the Structure Plan's production, however
the sooner the revised Plan is in place the better in order
to provide up-to-date policies and framework for the preparation
of Local Plans and development control. The Third Alteration
is expected to be adopted by the end of 2005.
How
does the Structure Plan affect me?
Everybody
in Northumberland is affected by the Structure Plan in some
way as it determines in broad terms the future of the County.
Which
Directorate in the County Council is responsible for working
on the Structure Plan? Who are they working with?
The
Strategic Policy and Initiatives Team within the Environment
Directorate is responsible for the Structure Plan, although
other sections and directorates of the County Council &
National Park Authority have an important input. The County
Council & National Park Authority is working closely with
the District and Parish Councils, and of course wishes to
work closely with the public. We also consult many statutory
consultees (organisations we are obliged to consult) as well
as a large number of interest groups and individuals.
What
is a Local Plan?
District
Councils prepare Local Plans which set out more detailed proposals
for land use within their districts. The policies and proposals
in Local Plans must be in line with those in the Structure
Plan. Local Plans provide the basis for development control
decisions on individual planning applications and are site
specific.
Who
makes the final decision on the Structure Plan?
The
County Council & National Park Authority, after carefully
considering all representations received on the modifications
to the Plan. However, if the Deputy Prime Minister disagrees
strongly with any of the policies then he does have the legal
power to direct the County Council & National Park Authority
to change the Plan.
What's
happening now?
Work
on the First Alteration is well advanced. The Deposit Draft
plan has been out for consultation between May 2003 and September
2003, and we are now preparing for the Examination in Public
(EIP) of the Plan, which will begin in March 2004. Pre-EIP
changes to the Plan will be consulted on in December 2003.
How
can I make my views known, or find out more?
Please
see our contacts page. We will be happy to help with any questions
relating to the plan.
The
Northumberland County and National Park Joint Structure Plan
has now closed.
To view the Panel Report
CLICK HERE
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