Northumberland Local Plan
Northumberland Local Plan
The Northumberland Local Plan (alongside any made Neighbourhood Plans) is the statutory development plan, containing planning policies used to assess and guide the location and nature of future development in the County.
Northumberland Local Plan 2016-2036
The Local Plan includes the planning policies used to guide and determine future planning applications in Northumberland. It details the scale and distribution of new development and includes land allocations and designations.
The Northumberland Local Plan 2016 to 2036 was formally adopted by Northumberland County Council on 31 March 2022. View the Adoption Statement. The adopted Local Plan and accompanying Policies Map can be viewed by clicking on the links below.
- Northumberland Local Plan 2016 to 2036 (Adopted March 2022)
- Northumberland Local Plan 2016 to 2036 Policies Map (online interactive version)
- Northumberland Local Plan 2016 to 2036 Policies Map (PDF document)
Please note: you may need the most up-to-date version of your web browser for the interactive map to load properly.
The adoption of the Local Plan follows the receipt of the Inspectors' Report on the Examination of the Northumberland Local Plan. The Inspectors' Report concludes that the Northumberland Local Plan is 'sound' providing that a number of modifications are made to it. The adopted version of the Plan includes all the modifications recommended by the Inspectors. View the Inspectors' Report.
The Northumberland Local Plan now forms part of the development plan for Northumberland alongside the 'made' Neighbourhood Plans. It replaces the Development Plan Documents prepared by the former Districts, Boroughs and County Councils prior to Local Government Review in 2009.
Further information on the adoption of the Local Plan, together with supporting documents, can be viewed further down this page.
Local Plan Consultation Registration - Privacy Notice
Planning Policy Team aims to be transparent and provide accessible information to individuals about how their personal data will be used through a privacy notice. A copy of our privacy notice is available HERE.
Statement of Community Involvement
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out the Council's commitments on involving local people and businesses in preparing the Local Plan and informing and consulting them on planning applications.
Click here to view the Statement of Community Involvement document.
The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the broad timetable for the preparation of Development Plan Documents and associated documents.
View the Interim Local Development Scheme 2025-2028 (March 2025)
The Council will update the Local Development Scheme as necessary and appropriate, to reflect the preparation of emerging and future development plan documents.
Supplementary Planning Documents
Previously adopted Supplementary Planning Documents have been downgraded to Supplementary Planning Guidance following adoption of the Local Plan. These can be viewed using the links in the Consolidated Planning Policy Framework.
Planning Guidance
Existing ‘Supplementary Planning Guidance’ and other guidance and advice, can be found in the Consolidated Planning Policy Framework.
View the Consolidated Planning Policy Framework.
Studies and evidence reports
In addition to the above guidance and advice, there are a range of studies and evidence reports which may help in preparation and determination of planning applications.
These can be found on the studies and evidence page.
Authority's Monitoring Report
The Council carries out regular monitoring to help understand how well the current planning policies are working. Monitoring is important to help inform the preparation and review of planning policies and decisions on planning applications.
Click here to view more information on monitoring.
Quick Links
Contact the Planning Policy Team on planningstrategy@northumberland.gov.uk
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