Our local planning policies are the starting point for considering all planning applications in the National Park. Along with the policies in our Local Plan, other aspects that need to be taken into account include National Planning Policy and Guidance (see below), Neighbourhood Plans and material planning considerations.
Northumberland National Park Authority is currently undertaking a review of the Local Plan. The draft Northumberland National Park Local Plan is due to be submitted on the 30th September 2019, see more information on our Local Plan Consultation page.
Until a new plan is adopted, the existing Local Plan is used for current planning decisions.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was first introduced in 2012 and sets out national planning policies for England. The government has since revised the NPPF with the latest version being published in February 2019. The online Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) provides detail on how the NPPF should be implemented and can be viewed on this website.
Local planning authorities (including National Park Authorities) are required to produce a Local Plan which has to be fully in accordance with national planning policy and guidance.
