After being deemed sound by a Planning Inspector, North Tyneside’s Local Plan is to reach its final stage when Full Council is asked to formally adopt it.
North Tyneside Council was required by Government to produce the Plan, which sets out future development in the borough.
A Government-appointed Planning Inspector gave the Plan the green light following a public examination, before it was agreed by Cabinet last month (June).
Cabinet forwarded the Plan to Full Council for adoption and, if agreed, it will mean that the final stage has been cleared and the authority can progress the priorities it contains.
The Plan is aimed at helping manage the delivery of new homes, jobs and infrastructure needed in the borough over the next 15 years.
In a report, councillors will hear on Thursday (20 July) how the new Plan will give the authority greater control over local decisions on future development.
It will allow council planners (the planning service is delivered for North Tyneside Council by its partner Capita) to be proactive in managing growth and planning for the infrastructure needed.
And it will provide a robust framework to deliver the objectives set out in the plan.
Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member for Housing and Transport, said: “It has taken years of hard work and dedication from everyone involved to get to this point.
“We were delighted that the Planning Inspector agreed with our approach and concluded that the Plan was sound.
“Having this Plan in place will benefit everyone in the borough and will mean that we, as a council, will be able to deliver the kind of development we need while protecting the things that matter to people, such as green open space.”
Priorities in the Plan include protecting the green belt, creating hundreds of new jobs each year, meeting housing needs, supporting growth with the necessary infrastructure and regeneration strategies for key locations.
If Full Council agrees to adopt the Plan, it will provide the basis for decisions on all subsequent planning applications.
Master Plans are currently being drawn up for how land at Murton Gap and Killingworth Moor could be developed and will be considered by Cabinet later in the year.
These blueprints will ensure that both sites, as well as their surrounding communities, positively benefit from any development.
This will include engagement with ward members and local communities before any decisions are made.