Future development on North Tyneside's Green Belt remains necessary despite local opposition, a council report has found. North Tyneside Council's political leadership is expected to sign off the next stage of its draft Local Plan next week. The plan seeks to earmark large swathes of the area for housing schemes and other commercial developments.
Public Opposition and Political Drama
The plan, which has been subject to public consultations, calls for the delivery of almost 20,000 new homes by 2042 to meet North Tyneside's housing needs. The draft proposals have garnered significant opposition, sparking a series of petitions against certain sites and construction on the Green Belt. In total, the petition amassed more than 7,000 individual signatures from members of the public. Additionally, the plans have created political drama, with local Conservatives criticising the proposals amid fears about impacts on local infrastructure.
Council Report Findings
However, according to the council's report following public consultation, areas of North Tyneside's protected land, largely concentrated on its northern border with Northumberland, remain necessary. The report states: "A significant proportion of North Tyneside will remain as Green Belt protected from development as part of the Local Plan. This area of countryside provides a vital resource for the Borough's residents for enjoyment and recreation. It is also a crucial resource for supporting nature recovery and the goals of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy."
The draft plans do not call for possible future development solely on Green Belt land. Some concessions have been realised, including a reduction in the overall number of proposed houses from 18,440 to 17,186. Some proposed sites for new homes have also been scrapped, including land south of Dudley Lane, to the rear of Regent Court, and next to Marden Quarry. Councillors from Cullercoats voiced their opposition to the possibility of 55 new homes on a plot of vacant land next to the nature reserve earlier this year.
Next Steps
If the current plans are approved by the council's cabinet next week, the drafts will be sent to a scrutiny committee and subject to further examination by councillors. A six-week consultation is anticipated to be launched in November, followed by approval from the central government by late December this year.
