NORTHUMBERLAND National Park is gathering feedback on how it should set out policies relating to development over the next 20 years.

The National Park Authority is developing its new Local Plan and, following a consultation earlier this year with over 700 people who live in, work at and visit the park, it has prepared a draft paper outlining options for the redesign of its local planning policies to ensure they are fit for the future.

A series of consultation events in the coming months will gather feedback on the draft.

Glen Sanderson, chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “We have a specific responsibility to maintain a balance between the need for new development in the park which will help maintain thriving communities in our uplands, with the need to protect the natural, historical and built environment of this special place.”

The drop-in events aim to give local communities an opportunity to share their views and discuss emerging planning policy options.

All sessions are open from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and will be held at: Elsdon Village Hall on October 24; Bardon Mill Village Hall on November 1; Bellingham Town Hall on November 15; Otterburn Memorial Hall on November 22; Matthew Ridley Memorial Hall on November 29 and The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre on December 6.