Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum works with the local community and elected officials to preserve, enhance and protect the village of Whitburn

Making a difference

The forum was created in 2016 by a small group of like-minded and equally concerned individuals following a consultation by South Tyneside Council on potential development land in the area. This land review showed a potential for up to 1,000 houses being built in the small village of Whitburn and its surrounding green belt, which would drastically change Whitburn's unique character as the only rural and coastal village in the borough.

Working for a better Whitburn

Residents were concerned that the community would have no say in the future of Whitburn, therefore, it was decided to form a neighbourhood forum, with the aim of producing a neighbourhood plan. A neighbourhood plan includes policies that any planning applications will have to follow and is therefore able to set the direction of development for the next 20 years.

The plan is evidence based, which means that the community is consulted throughout the whole process. Moreover, additional evidence reports have been commissioned on specific topics, such as housing need and local character. 

The neighbourhood plan is written by and for residents and ensures that the needs of the community are taken into account whenever development takes place.

Forum creation

The first step in the process of creating a neighbourhood plan is to create a forum. Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum was founded in September 2016 by like-minded individuals who cared for their village. Whilst the initial forum size was around 20 local residents and employees, it is now over 200 and continues to grow.

Plan creation

Once officially recognised as a neighbourhood forum by the local authority, the forum can begin to create a draft neighbourhood plan. Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum and the corresponding Whitburn neighbourhood area received official recognition in January 2017 by South Tyneside Council.

Plan adoption

 Finally, a draft plan after being scrutinised by the local authority, other planning bodies and by way of a local referendum can be brought into force. Once approved and in force, planning applications within the neighbourhood forum’s boundaries must be assessed against the neighbourhood plan created as well as other criteria.
For more information on neighbourhood forums, please click the button below which will take you to the Locality website: