Have your say on future of Northumberland villages

Views are being sought on the future of villages, including Longhoughton.

Longhoughton Parish Council, covering the villages of Boulmer, Howick and Longhoughton as well as the surrounding settlements, has started a major public consultation.

A draft Neighbourhood Plan is being drawn up to give the community on key themes such as environment, tourism, housing and heritage.

A Steering Group is now looking at a more detailed draft, including plans for prospective areas for housing or green-space.

Adrian Hinchcliffe, Chair of the Steering Group, said: “This is an important time for the Parish.

"There is potentially a lot of change happening and this plan gives the community an opportunity to guide that change.

"Once it is completed and agreed, the plan will become a statutory document within the planning process.

"It is vital that we hear from the members of the community and that they have their say.”

The public can respond in a number of ways – via the website, a questionnaire or the Parish Council Facebook page.

The Plan is being prepared in partnership with a number of other organisations, including Northumberland County Council as well as with help from professional designers and planners.

Statutory consultees, such as land-owners, the Environment Agency and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will also be giving their views.

The central vision of the plan is to make Longhoughton Parish a vibrant, sustainable and attractive place to live and work. The plan period runs to 2036.

The consultation is due to end on June 30.

For more information or to have your say visit www.longhoughtonndp.co.uk/consultations