Time running out to have say on neighbourhood plan for East Boldon

The deadline for the end of public consultation on the East Boldon Neighbourhood Plan, which is supposed to help shape projects in the village over the coming year, is due to pass next week (Monday, December 7).

But even those who miss out this time around will still be able to offer their thoughts next year, as the scheme begins its journey to a vote on whether or not it should be made official.

“The date for comments on the current draft is December 7 and there’s an opportunity for people to look at that now,” said Dave Hutchinson, secretary of the East Boldon Neighbourhood Forum, which has been working on the neighbourhood plan.

“They can let us have any comments and familiarise themselves with the key issues.

“But there will also be a final opportunity to have a say on the plan next year, when the final version is produced and we go to the referendum.”

In its current form, the policy hopes to block building on green spaces by shifting attention to brownfield sites, such as Cleadon Lane Industrial Estate, where almost 250 homes could be built.

The suggestions put forward so far include:

Ensuring new properties reflect the village’s ‘diverse range of architectural styles’ Making sure new developments have enough parking space and bicycle storage Improve access to green spaces Protecting trees

Consultation on the East Boldon Neighbourhood Plan runs until Monday, December 7.

Visit www.eastboldonforum.org.uk to find out more.

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