Whitby Neighbourhood Plan: What Happens Next?
In this the last of a series of articles on the Whitby Neighbourhood Plan, we would like to thank all of the residents, businesses and consultees who have responded to the Pre-submission Consultation on the Whitby Neighbourhood Plan.
This important stage invited residents, businesses, and community groups to share their views on the draft plan that will shape the future of Whitby for the next 15 to 20 years.
The Whitby Neighbourhood Plan sets out locally driven planning policies to guide development, protect heritage, and enhance community infrastructure.
Policies cover housing, design, green spaces, heritage, active travel, accessibility, business, tourism, and climate change.
Next Steps for the Neighbourhood Plan (NP):
♦ The NP will be reviewed and amended, where required, to take account of all relevant comments made
♦ It will then be submitted to our local authority, North Yorkshire Council (NYC)
♦ They will check that we have followed the correct procedures and that all the required documents have been submitted
♦ NYC will then publicise the plan as legally required for a 6-week period, notifying anyone referred to in the consultation statement that the plan has been received
Any representations received will be passed to the independent examiner for consideration.
♦ An independent examiner will be appointed to check that the plan meets the basic conditions and any necessary modifications are then made to ensure they meet legal requirements
♦ Finally, if our plan meets all these requirements, the local authority will organise a public vote so that everyone who lives within Whitby Parish can decide whether they support the plan.
It is necessary that more than 50% of those voting in the referendum vote “yes” in order to bring the plan into force.
♦ If the vote is in favour, the NP will form part of the statutory development plan for Whitby Parish, so any decisions about whether or not to grant planning permission in the neighbourhood area in the future must be made by taking our neighbourhood plan into consideration.
Visit https://www.whitbycommunitynetwork.org/whitby-neighbourhood-plan/ to follow the Neighbourhood Plan process.