Northumberland coastal community votes in favour of Neighbourhood Plan

A referendum approved the Longhoughton, Boulmer and Howick Neighbourhood Plan with 83% voting in favour and a 22.29% turnout; the plan will be used to help determine local planning and now moves to adoption by Northumberland County Council.

The Longhoughton, Boulmer and Howick Neighbourhood Plan was approved in a referendum held last month. The plan will be used to help determine planning applications in the area. A community newsletter said the result reflects eight years of work and many consultations with residents. The parish council expressed gratitude to those who voted and to the volunteers involved in preparing the plan. Key results: - 83% of those who voted were in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan. - Turnout for the referendum was 22.29%. - The community newsletter reported the plan was eight years in the making and followed many consultations with residents. - The parish council thanked the steering group, council officers, named consultees and residents for their contributions. - The plan will now move to the next stage of implementation: adoption by Northumberland County Council. Summary: The referendum gives the neighbourhood plan formal public backing and means it will be used to help determine local planning applications. The parish council described the result as the outcome of long-term work and community engagement. The plan now moves to adoption by Northumberland County Council.