Public invited to comment on planning document

12-FEB-10

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

North Tyneside Council is updating its policy that explains how the community can become involved in the planning process.

The Statement of Community Involvement is a planning document that plays an important role in the planning system.

It is designed to enable and encourage communities to play a more active role throughout the planning process in creating places where people want to live and work.

The document sets out how the public can get involved in influencing the content of key planning documents and how anyone can make comments on any particular planning application.

All planning documents must be prepared and planning applications considered in accordance with the consultation and participation standards set out in the Statement of Community Involvement.

Work has now started on a review of the existing Statement of Community Involvement, which was adopted initially in 2005. This will ensure it is in line with recent changes to planning regulations and Government guidance.

The public are also being invited to suggest ways they think the document could be improved.

Councillor Ed Hodson, Cabinet member for Environment said: "The planning process has a tremendous impact on our local environment, so it's very important that the public know how they can influence the decisions the Council makes on their behalf."

"That's why we are inviting the public to make their comments on the proposed updated Statement of Community Involvement."
More...
The draft Statement of Community Involvement is available to view at all libraries in the Borough, at the Quadrant Council office and on the Council website - www.northtyneside.gov.uk/planning

The public can also make comments by emailing cara.forbes-malone@northtyneside.gov.uk

You can also write to us at:
North Tyneside Council Planning Policy
Quadrant
The Silverlink North
Cobalt Business Park
North Tyneside
NE27 0BY

The closing date for your views or suggestions is12pm on the 19th March 2010. Reponses will be fed into the preparation of the final draft. If you wish to receive any further information please contact Cara Forbes-Malone on 0191 643 6312.