Berwick-upon-Tweed Neighbourhood Plan – We need your views!
A neighbourhood plan is one of the best ways for local communities to help shape planning policies for their area: once adopted through a local referendum, it becomes part of the statutory planning framework (alongside the Northumberland Local Plan, which is written by the County Council) and will help guide decisions on planning applications in Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal in the years ahead.
In preparing a draft of the Neighbourhood Plan, the Council needs feedback from residents, businesses, community organisations and stakeholders on the key issues which the plan should address.
A consultation document has been prepared: this sets out some of the main topics that the plan could cover – such as the town centre, design of new development, protection of green spaces, heritage, community facilities and transport connections.
Earlier work on a neighbourhood plan began in 2016 but was paused during the pandemic. The Town Council has now restarted the process, building on the earlier work while recognising that the town’s priorities and circumstances may have changed.
The Council’s Steering Group would really appreciate residents’ views of
- What are the crucial planning issues for the town in the coming years
- Whether there are other matters the plan should address
- Which places, buildings and green spaces are most important to be protected
Residents’ feedback will help the Town Council decide the scope and priorities of the Neighbourhood Plan before a full draft plan is prepared.
How to take part:
From 7th April, the consultation document and questionnaire will be available.
- If you would like a printed copy, hard copies of both are available at the Town Council offices on Marygate, Berwick Community Trust & Spittal Community Centre during opening hours.
- Completed paper copies of questionnaires can be handed in at these sites.
- It can also be issued on request, by email – contact the Town Council at info@berwick-tc.gov.uk
Comments can also be emailed to info@berwick-tc.gov.uk or made in writing to Berwick-upon-Tweed Town Council, Unit 1, 82–88 Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1BN.
The Town Council Offices will have information on display during working hours and it will also open on Saturday 18th April and Saturday 25th April 10-2pm.
What happens next?
Once the consultation closes on 30th April, all responses will be reviewed by the Steering Group and used to inform the preparation of a draft Neighbourhood Plan. This will be published for more public consultation, before being submitted to Northumberland County Council for independent examination and a local referendum.
Your views will help shape the future of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal — so please take the opportunity to get involved.
Photo Credit: Sky Vantage Productions