Blyth residents are being invited to have their say on a draft neighbourhood plan for the town.

Neighbourhood plans enable the local community to guide where and how future development happens.  They are prepared by Town and Parish Councils, rather than Northumberland County Council.  They must be supported by the local community and once adopted, the policies within them are used to assess planning applications against. 

Work started on the Blyth Neighbourhood Plan in 2022, and the Town Council has had a number of engagement events which have shaped the draft neighbourhood plan.

The draft plan contains seven policies covering a wide variety of topics, such as the town centre, supporting retail development and protecting our conservation areas.  A major part of the plan are policies to protect our valued green spaces and heritage assets.  The plan also has a number of community actions regarding specific projects to improve the area, such as input to projects to upgrade the existing rights of way network.

Jo-Anne Garrick, Planning Consultant said: “Neighbourhood Plans are important, formal planning documents that contain planning policies created in consultation with a neighbourhood area. They supplement the planning policies of a local planning authority, Northumberland Council. This is an opportunity for Blyth to have a greater say in how the community is developed in future”.

This is the last chance for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to provide their input before the plan is submitted to Northumberland County Council for an independent examination.

The consultation period commenced on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, and will conclude on Monday, 6 January 2025 – although we are only legally required to consult for six weeks we are extending this due to the Christmas period.

Councillor Aileen Barrass, Mayor of Blyth added, “I encourage all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to actively engage in this final consultation on our draft Neighbourhood Plan. This is your last opportunity to contribute before we submit it to Northumberland County Council. It’s your chance to comment on the future of our town—shaping the direction of development, preserving our heritage, and ensuring Blyth grows in a way that benefits everyone. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to create a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. Please take the time to share your thoughts, so we can build a stronger, more vibrant Blyth for future generations."

To find out more and access the consultation documents visit  Neighbourhood Plan Consultation