A planning document aiming to shape the future of development in Whitburn has won support from voters in a historic local referendum. Work has been taking place on the Whitburn Neighbourhood Plan since 2016, which aims to safeguard the identity of the village and enable the community to shape the future of the local area.
It has been led by the Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum, which works with the local community and elected officials to preserve, enhance and protect the village. After the document won support at a local referendum on Thursday (August 4), council planning officers will now be required to take into account a range of policies which have been developed by the local community.
A total of 1,127 residents voted ‘yes’ to the plan, more than 92% of those who responded, and 91 voted ‘no’, with the voter turnout being 28.4%. Following the election result, the Whitburn Neighbourhood Plan will now go forward to be formally adopted by South Tyneside Council’s Cabinet in early Autumn.
