THE Whittington Neighbourhood Plan has received a majority yes vote from parishioners after a referendum was held.

The draft neighbourhood plan was submitted to Northumberland County Council in February 2018 following extensive community consultation and engagement by the parish council between early 2016 and 2017.

A local referendum was then held in the parish of Whittington on October 4, where 113 people in the parish voted. There was a majority yes vote, 90.3 per cent in favour of making the Neighbourhood Plan, with under 10 per cent voting no.

The neighbourhood plan sets out how the neighbourhood will develop in the future, and sets future planning policies for the area.

The parish includes Great Whittington, Halton, Bingfield, Hallington, and Halton Shields.

Chairman of Whittington Parish Council, Simon Gregory, said: “The parish council would like to thank all involved in the development of this plan, the parish councillors involved, Steering Group members who have worked very hard, as well as the residents who have given time and thought throughout the consultation process.

“Through the preparation of the plan, the parish council has considered the views of all those who have contributed, for the benefit of the whole community, to protect our heritage and natural assets and to encourage a thriving community.”

The parish council formed a steering group to help prepare the plan, which involved local people in the development of the document.

Chairman of Whittington Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Dr John Roberts, said: “I am happy to report that events have been well supported and we have received a large number and wide range of positive suggestions, in addition many specific issues affecting the parish have been identified.”