The Allendale Neighbourhood Development Plan document is the first of its kind in the North-East to be formally signed off.
Outlining specific planning policies in the parish, the plan be used by council planning officers when considering decisions on planning applications for the area .
Neighbourhood planning is intended to give local people a direct say in the future development of their local area by developing policies which will influence future development.
Allendale Parish Council led the way as a neighbourhood planning ‘front runner’, after being selected as one of 17 pilot areas across the country in 2011.
Supported by planning officers from the county council, a steering group worked with the community to develop the parish’s own planning policies.
Earlier this year residents voted in favour of the final plan in a local referendum.
The decision to adopt the plan was taken by the county council on Tuesday.
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