Newcastle Labour is supporting the formal adoption of Dinnington’s neighbourhood plan after residents endorsed it in a local referendum.
Residents voted on the plan on 22 May. Newcastle City Council formally made it on 2 June, bringing the policies into legal force as part of the statutory development plan.
The plan covers the period to 2036 and provides a locally developed framework for decisions affecting Dinnington Parish. Planning applications must now be determined in accordance with its policies unless other material considerations indicate otherwise.
This milestone reflects substantial work by Dinnington Parish Council and residents who contributed evidence, ideas and responses throughout the preparation, examination and referendum process.
The plan gives policies developed within the parish formal weight in future planning decisions. It means proposals must be assessed against a framework shaped through years of local evidence, consultation and independent examination, unless other material considerations indicate otherwise.
Labour believes development works best when communities have a meaningful voice and clear rules. We will respect the referendum result, use the plan when scrutinising proposals and continue working with the parish council and residents as Dinnington develops.
Councillor Andrew Herridge said:
“The adoption of the neighbourhood plan gives Dinnington residents a stronger local voice in future planning decisions. We thank everyone who helped prepare the plan and everyone who took part in the referendum.”