New Northumberland Local Plan - Scoping Consultation  

Northumberland County Council are starting work on a new Local Plan for the County. This marks an important opportunity to shape how our county develops over the coming years.
The consultation runs until Wednesday 1 July 2026.
While the current adopted Local Plan provides a long-term framework for development up to 2036, it is important that Northumberland County Council plan ahead to ensure our planning policies continue to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of our communities.

The new Local Plan will help to:
• Plan for new homes, including affordable housing,
• Support businesses, job growth and investment,
• Ensure the right infrastructure is in the right places, and
• Protect our natural and historic environment.

As part of the early scoping stage, Northumberland County Council are seeking initial views on the key issues and priorities the new Local Plan should address. Early feedback will help shape the scope, focus and direction of the Plan from the outset.

Northumberland County Council would additionally welcome feedback on how Northumberland County Council engage with communities and stakeholders as the plans progress. The County Council draft Engagement Strategy is available on The County Council website. Comments on this document are invited.

Alongside this, the Council is also preparing a new complementary document, the Northumberland Housing Design Standards Supplementary Plan. This will provide requirements and guidance to support high quality design of new homes and residential areas. Northumberland County Council are also inviting comments on the draft project brief for the Housing Design Standards Supplementary Plan.

For background information and details of both consultations, visit The County Council website at:

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning/planning-policy-and-local-plan/new-northumberland-local-plan

Thank you in advance for your support. Hearing residents' views is very important to help shape the The County Counci’s approach from the start.