Statement of Community Involvement:

Statement of Consultation

January 2006 Further copies of this document and the Submission Statement of Community Involvement are available from: • The Planning and Performance Team; • Our website at http://www.northumberland-national- park.org.uk/VisitorGuide/Planning/StatementofCommunityInvolvement. htm. • A hard copy is available for inspection at the National Park Head Office, Eastburn, South Park, and at the following libraries during normal opening hours, Bellingham, , , Hexham, and .

Alternative formats of this report are available, such as large print or audio or translated – please contact the Planning and Performance Team who will be happy to discuss your needs.

Policy and Performance Park Management National Park Authority Eastburn South Park Hexham Northumberland NE46 1BS

Tel: 01434 611577 Email: [email protected]

2 Introduction This statement sets out the consultation undertaken during the preparation of Northumberland National Park’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), submitted to the First Secretary of State on 8th February 2006.

The Statement of Community Involvement is the document that will set out how the Authority will engage local communities and other consultees in the preparation of the Local Development Framework and in making development control decisions within Northumberland National Park.

Draft SCI Consultation The draft Statement of Community Involvement was published for the statutory six week period between 5th August and 16th September 2006 (see appendix 1 and 2 for groups contacted). A number of methods were used to inform residents, organisations, groups and individuals of the draft Statement of Community Involvement: • Letters were sent to 958 residential households and 337 other organisations, groups and individuals (appendix 1 and 2) informing them of the location of the document which was made available at the Northumberland National Park Authority headquarters, on the Authority’s website and at the following libraries; Bellingham, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Kielder and Wooler; • 75 parish councils and 11 statutory consultees were sent a hard copy of the draft document (appendix 1); • Residents who had previously expressed an interest in being consulted by SMS text were contacted by this medium; and • Advertisements and press releases were also placed in local and regional newspapers (appendix 3).

Representations Received A summary of the representations received are included at appendix 4. These comments were considered, and were appropriate reflected in the revised Statement of Community Involvement, which was submitted to the First Secretary of State on 8th February 2006.

Submission SCI Consultation The Statement of Community Involvement has been published for the statutory six week period between 8th February and 22nd March 2006 (see appendix 1 and 2 for consultees contacted and letters sent). The same approach to consulting on the draft Statement of Community Involvement was adopted when inviting representations to the submitted version of the Statement of Community Involvement. This included using a number of methods were used to inform residents, organisations, groups and individuals of the Statement of Community Involvement and the Statement of Consultation (see above for further details). The organisations, groups and individuals receiving hard copies will also receive the Statement of Consultation Document.

3 Appendix 1

Groups Contacted who received a copy of the draft Statement of Community Involvement in August 2005; and a copy of the Statement of Community Involvement with the Statement of Consultation in February 2006.

All Residents of Northumberland National Park

Parish Councils within or crossing Northumberland National Park Akeld Parish Council Hollinghill with Rothley Parish Council Alnham Parish Council Parish Council Alwinton Parish Council Ingram Parish Council Parish Council Kilham Parish Council Bellingham Parish Council Kirknewton Parish Council Cheviotside Parish Council Parish Council Parish Council & Fourstones Parish Council Earle Parish Council Otterburn Parish Council Elsdon Parish Council Rochester & Byrness Parish Council's Parish Council Parish Council Greenhead Parish Council & Parish Council's Haltwhistle Town Council Thirlwall Parish Council Harbottle Parish Council Tosson & Whitton Parish Council's Haydon Bridge Parish Council Warden Parish Council Henshaw Parish Council Wark Parish Council Parish Council Wooler Parish Council Hesleyhurst & Parish Council

Statutory Consultees District Council Northumberland County Council Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council North East Regional Assembly City Council North West Regional Assembly Countryside Agency North West Regional Development Agency County Council Northumberland Care Trust Defence Estates Northumberland Community Health Council Department of Health Northumberland Strategic Health Authority Electronic Communications Owners & One North East Operators English Heritage Northumbrian Water English Nature Scottish Borders Council Environment Agency Strategic Rail Authority Gas and Electricity Supply Companies The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for Government Office for the North East District Council Highways Agency

4 Appendix 2

Consultee Groups Contacted who notification of the draft Statement of Community Involvement in August 2005; and of the Statement of Community Involvement and the Statement of Consultation in February 2006.

Agents Name Organisation Name Organisation Mr J Temple Farmplan Buldings Mr A Airlie Mr S Nash FPD Savilles Mr R Kent G Hall Windows Mr J Murdie Mr T Stukins G L Hearn Planning Mr J Wilcox Mr M Robinson Geoffrey Purves Partnership Mr P Johnstone Green Design Group Mr M Neil Mr P Goggs Halcrow Group Ltd Mr M Orange Mr N Parmenter Hall Bowe Ltd Mr E Jensen Mr D Jackson In Business Mr K Doonan Jenkins Partnership Mr G Humble Mr J Edwards John Edwards Architects Mr J Angus K Doonan Architects Mr D Lane Mr R Morgan Knockhill Mr Edwin Mr J Grantham Land Use Consultants Thompson Mr R Alexander Mr G Collins Landmark Information Group Mr M Robinson Latham Architects Mr M Collins Llewelyn-Davies Mr G Pickering Ms F J Wye Malcom Judd and Partners Mr G Stewart Mono Consultants Aitchison Building Design Ms McArdle Montagu Evans Aitken and Turnbull Mr M Tindal Robertson MVM Planning Ltd Mr Butter Anderson Associates MWH Anthony Walker and Napper Architects Partners Arup Mr A Greally Nathaniel Litchfield & Partners Mr J Bain Bain, Swan Architects NB Building Design Blueprint Interior Design Nicholson Nairn Mr J Carroll Budget Windows Northern Structures Butler Haig Association P Ashworth Archtitect Mr S Rowsell Chesterton Planning & Pennine Windows Consulting Mr C Offord Chris Offord Consultancy Property Design Matters Mr I Turvey Clark Scott Harden Mr R Connell Reavell & Cahill Architects

5 Mr J Goodwin Cluttons Ms S Ryan Robert Turley Assoc Design Mr S Robson Robson Brown Mr J Swanson Country Life Homes Ltd Ms K Newton Roger Tym & Partners Crawford Higgins RPS Group CSH Property Mr R Verrill RVAS Consultants Ms D Bowyer D.P.D.S. Sale and Partners Mr M Pope Design Consultant Mr R Alsop Savilles Ms A Noble Development Plan Schofield and Co Partnership Mr P Finch Dickinson Dees Mr R Thompson Shankland Cox Dobson Design Smiths Gore DP Builders Spence and Dower Ms D Bowyer DPDS Consultants Ms M Hardy Taylor and Hardy Mr C Checkley DTZ Debenham Thorpe Mr D Fleming The Coachouse Earle Hall Mr J Watson The Orchard Earth Sense Mr M Walker W A Fairhurst & Partners Mr P Playfair Edwin Thompson & Co Mr I Self Ward Hadaway Energy Efficient Windows Wardell Armstrong Ltd Mr J Hall Entec Waring and Netts Eversheds Mr J Duffy Woodbine Cottage Mr T Pinkerton Faobo Glen Kemp Ltd Mr G Bird Yarwood & Stubley Solicitors

Authority’s Name Organisation Name Organisation Cllr T Thorne Alnwick Area Committee Dr D Northumberland Association of Local Francis Councils Cllr Mrs Scott Berwick upon Tweed Area Mr J P Northumberland Waste Disposal Committee Jones Authority Cllr A Area Committee Cllr W Planning & Regulation Committee Sambrook Lowes Mr G Allan Council Cllr M Roe Policy Board Local Government Association Cllr Purdue Tynedale Area Committee

6 Business Interests Name Organisation Name Organisation Mr R Roston Alnwick and District Chamber of Mr S Rank National Farmers Union Trade (Northern Branch) Mr S Morrison Babtie Group Mr C Davies Newcastle International Airport Ltd Mr A Martin Berwick Chamber of Trade Ms D Martin North East Chamber of Commerce British Holiday and Home Parks Mr P Best Northumberland Business Association Partnership British Tourist Association Ms H Mills Northumberland Learning and Skills Council Mr P Monaghan Business Link for Northumberland Mrs M May Tenant Farmers Assoc Northumberland Committee Mr J Collins Economic Forestry Group Mr JRP Peberdy Tilhill Forestry Mr M Bower Haltwhistle Chamber of Trade Mrs S Nelson Timber Growers Association Mr M Johnson House Builders Federation Mr R Birley Vindolanda Trust

Community Councils Name Organisation C/o Mr I Lindley Edgerston Community Council Mrs S Fenwick Kalewater (Morebattle) Mrs G McFadyen Oxnam Water Mrs S Stewart Yetholm Community Council

Government Departments Name Organisation Name Organisation Scottish Environment Protection Mr R Pow Forestry Authority Agency Ms R Briggs Scottish Natural Heritage Health and Safety Executive Mr B Young British Geological Survey Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Strategic Health Authority Mr A Harle Church Commissioners Mr Leighton Authority Mr D Butcher Civil Aviation Authority Mr C Little Northumbria Tourist Board Mr J Chafer Defence Estates Mr H Wellfair Royal Commission for Ancient Monuments Mr P Close Department for Environment, Food Royal Commission on and Rural Affairs Environmental Pollution Mr J East English Tourist Board Mr E Bailey Sectional Mineral Valuer, Northern Ms D Robson Equal Opportunities Commission Mr N Washington The Coal Authority Mr J Gill Forest Enterprise Willie Lengers The Planning Inspectorate

Housebuilders Name Organisation Name Organisation Mr G Metcalfe Alfred McAlpine Homes Dunelm Castle Homes Ltd Mr D Graham Barratt Homes Mr J Gray John G Gray (Homes) Ltd Mr D Rogerson Bellway Homes & Rivergreen Mr B Waite McLean Homes NE Ltd Developments Mr P Medcalf Bellway Homes (North East) Mr J Jamieson Miller Homes

7 Limited Mr D Brocklehurst Bett Homes Mr P Jordan Persimmon Homes Mr J Wyatt Bett Homes (North East) Taylor Woodrow Construction (Northern) Ltd. Mr P Robson Bowey Homes Mr G Colls Two Castles Housing Association Mr P Coming Bryant Homes (North East) Ltd Ms L Mason Wimpey Homes North East Ltd Mr K Brady Cruden Property Development Mr N Bell Yuill Homes

Estates Name Organisation Mr S Munro Blagdon Estates Mr A Morrison Crown Estates Commissioners Mr S Henderson Mr C Pickering Mr J N Thompson Mr J R Jackson Mr C Barnes The Northumberland Estates

Local Organisations Name Organisation Name Organisation Mr J Celsall Alnwick and District Natural Mr F Walters North Northumberland Tourism History Society Association Mr P Deakin Alnwick Civic Society Mr Woodley- North Pennines AONB Partnership Stewart Mr I Alnwick LSP North Pennines Protection Group Humphreys Mr I Scott Association of Rural Mr P Stark Northern Arts Communities Mr M Barclay's Northumberland Mr K Scott Northumberland & Durham Wildfowlers Whittaker Rural Partnership Association Mr R Berwick & North Dr L Hanna Northumberland & Newcastle Society Leetham Northumberland LA21 Steering Group Mr J Stobo Berwick Civic Society Hazel Northumberland and Newcastle Society Richardson Berwick Upon Tweed Council Mrs H Northumberland Federation of Women's for the Disabled Abrahams Institutes Mr A Berwick upon Tweed LSP Northumberland Local History Society Charlton Mr N Best Council for the Protection of Mr I Kingsland Northumberland Playing Fields Association Rural England Haltwhistle Partnership Mr J Northumberland Strategic Partnership Litherland Haltwhistle Tourism Mr S Lowe Northumberland Wildlife Trust Association Mr T Tatman Hexham Civic Society Mr J Cumming & District Amenity Society Mid Northumberland Arts Mr R Dodd The Countryside Alliance Group Mid Northumberland Tourist Ms F Rowe Tynedale Environment Group Association Mr Milfield Community Mr J Tynedale Green Party Humphrey Association Hartshorne

8 Natural History Society of Mr G Sinclair Tynedale LSP Northumbria Council Mr A University of Northumbria for the Disabled McCafferty Mr R Hay North East Forestry Action Hadrians Wall Toursim Partnership Group

Minerals and Waste Name Organisation Name Organisation Mr T Hughes Mr H Cotterill Natural Stone Quarries Mr R Robson Mr C Barnes Northumberland Estates Mr G Storey Aggregates Industries UK Ltd Mr D Charlton Northumbrian Water Alan Davison (Construction) Ltd Owen Pugh & Co Ltd Allendale Estates Mr A Cooper Premier Waste Management Ltd Mr N Barsby Biffa Waste Services Ltd Mr D Pollock Quarry Products Association Blagdon Esattes R Thornton & Co Ltd C J Leyland Mr S Denny RMC Aggregates (UK) Ltd Mr S Dunhouse Quarries Mr A McAdam Scottish Natural Stones Braithwaite Mr C D'Oyley Ennstone Breedon Ltd Mr F Audsley SENREC Environmental Services Mr G Ascough Sherburn Stone Co Ltd Association Mr S Provan H J Banks & Co Ltd Ms A Wilshaw Sita UK Mr E Jordan Hanson Aggregates - North Mr C Blythe Swarland Brick Co Ltd Mr K Hawkes Holystone Waste Mr N Beale Tarmac Northern Ltd Mr B Baker Ibstock Brick Ltd The Brick Business John Binks Mr A Lingham UK Coal Mining Ltd Mr D Purvis KW Purvis & Sons Mr G Vasey Vasey Landscaping Mr C Jewitt Ladycross Stone Co Mr P W & M Thompson (Quarries) Ltd Steadman Mr G Staddon Lafarge Aggregates Mr T Plumb Ward Bros Natural Stone Products

National organisations Name Organisation Name Organisation Age Concern Northumberland Historic Houses Association Ms K Atkinson Bridleways & Riders Action Mr A Kind Land Access & Recreation Group Association Mrs S Rogers British Horse Society Mrs J Ludman National Trust Dr C Cleal British Institute for Geological Mr M Craster Newcastle Diocesan Conservation Ms N Wilkinson British Telecommunications plc Mr D Rixson NHS Estates -Northern & Yorkshire Region British Trust for Conservation Mrs N Wright Ramblers' Association Volunteers Mr K Evans British Trust for Ornithology Mr D Coulson RICS North East Region Byways and Bridleways Trust Mr S McLean RIGS North East Camping and Caravanning Ms A Moody Royal Society for the Protection of Club Birds

9 Mr J Crow Caravan Club Mr K Bates RSPB-North England Office Mr F Golding Commission for Architecture& Shelter the Built Environment Commons,Open Space & Mrs M Higgins Sport England Footpaths Preservation Soc. Mr R Hardy Compassion in World Farming Mr B Dowson SUSTRANS Dr R Morris Council for British Archaeology Mr D Lambert The Garden History Society Ms R Council for National Parks Mr N Best The Green Party Chambers Ms K Gordon Council for the Protection of Timber Growers Association Rural England Mr D A Country Land & Business Mr D Kent Transport 2000 Northumbria Chambers Association Ms H Evans Cyclist Touring Club Mr E Pomfret Woodland Trust Mrs A P General Aviation Awareness G Chabryzk Youth Hostels Association Bloomfield Council Mr R Cooper Greenpeace

Parish Councils Acomb Parish Council Kingwater Parish Council Alnwick Town Council Parish Council Parish Council with Parish Council Belsay Parish Council Longframlington Parish Council Birtley Parish Council Lowick Parish Council Capheaton Parish Council Milfield Parish Council Cartington Parish Council Netherton & Biddleston Parish Council Parish Council Rothbury Parish Council Corbridge Parish Council Parish Council Edlingham Parish Coucil Snitter Parish Council Eglingham Parish Council Stamfordham Parish Council Ellingham Parish Council Thirston Parish Council Ewart Parish Council Parish Council Glanton Parish Council Tillside Parish Council Hartleyburn Parish Council Parish Council Parish Council Wall Parish Council Hexham Town Council Wallington Demesne Parish Council & District Parish Council Water Head Parish Council Horsley Whittingham and Callaly Parish Council Kielder Parish Council Whittington Parish Council

Private Individuals Name Organisation Prof. P Healey University of Newcastle upon Tyne

Renewable Energy Sector Name Organisation Mrs S Painter AMEC Wind Energy Mr G Jenkins North Energy Associates Mr M Lumsden TNEI

10 Utilities Name Organisation Name Organisation Mr I McINroy ARRIVA Mr D Miller North Eastern Distribution Limited Mr J Nelson British Rail Mr R Irving Royal Mail & Post Office Limited Ms J Ellis British Telecom Forecasting Support Stagecoach Go-Ahead

11 APPENDIX 3

Copy of the advertisements placed in local and regional newspapers for the draft Statement of Community Involvement and the Statement of Community Involvement

12 APPENDIX 4 Summary of Comments made on the draft Statement of Community Involvement

Northumberland National Park Authority - Draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) – Summary of representations received Key to abbreviations: LDF – Local Development Framework, SCI – Statement of Community Involvement

SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI Important notice Government This notice should give more detail of the purpose of an SCI in relation This section will be redrafted for the next about planning Office for the to ‘enabling the community to know how and when they will be stage in consultation and the submission of North East involved in the preparation of local development documents and how the document to the First Secretary of State. they will be consulted on planning applications’. Important notice Northumberland The vision quoted is too verbose and in itself is a turn off. Minor Noted. The minor editing points will be about planning and Newcastle editing points raised. followed. Society Background Government It does not add much to the document to repeat the vision from the Noted. The initial reference to the Vision will Office for the previous section. Instead, the key principles in relation to community be deleted in the redrafting of this section. North East involvement could be set out Background Northumberland Page 3 starts to wander and is repetitive. Suggest using the term These points will considered in the and Newcastle "local communities and other stakeholders". Question the sentence: redrafting of the document. Society The draft Statement of Community Involvement seeks to take forward the vision . . . Why? Identifying potential consultees in the Communications Strategy warrants a tick.

Preparation of Northumberland Page 4 falls down because of jargon. This document is aimed at the The language used will be re-examined and this document and Newcastle public and should be written throughout in the language understood by made more accessible where possible, Society ordinary people. They are not interested in scoping exercises. whilst maintaining the formal status of the However, it is commendable that many of the sentences are short and document. simple, making them easy to comprehend. A pledge to use clear, jargon-free language would be a useful addition to the SCI.

Preparation of Government It would be helpful to give dates for the key milestones. Use the term Noted. The key milestones will be added this document Office for the Independent Examination rather than Public Examination. Monitoring and the document revised as suggested. North East and review of the SCI should be included.

13 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI Who we want to Sport England The final paragraph on page 6 does not meet the requirements of the Sport England should be added to the Long help us in Regulations. To be sound, the document should set out which bodies List of Consultees in Appendix A and the delivering our will be consulted when rather than reference having to be made to text clarified to make reference to the planning another document. ‘statutory consultees’ as set out in PPS12. services Who we want to Government The title should be amended to more accurately reflect the inclusive Agreed. help us in Office for the approach contained in the text. It should be explained that delivering our North East consultation responses may or not be reflected in the submitted Plan planning document or planning decision. services Who we want to Northumberland Page 6 starts to get to the purpose of the document. Our Society Agreed help us in and Newcastle would appreciate being included on this list alongside CNP as an delivering our Society example of an interest group. planning services Who we want to Northumberland Page 7 has a word missing on line 1. Noted. help us in and Newcastle delivering our Society planning services Methods of Government The consultation and engagement methods could be included as a Agreed. Community and Office for the matrix illustrating which methods are most suited for the different Stakeholder North East stages of plan preparation. involvement Methods of Northumberland Page 8 could be streamlined for the benefit of the reader. We would The National Park web portal provides community and and Newcastle also question whether "National Parks Web Portal" is relevant in this access to a wide range of information, stakeholder Society context. Other references to electronic communication methods are including planning and therefore is an involvement welcome. This is a particularly useful method of communication in the appropriate vehicle. National Park because of the widespread areas of population and the availability of Broadband.

14 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI Methods of Northumberland The methods identified for community and stakeholder involvement Noted. Feedback is given after each stage community and County Council are extensive and the County Council agrees they are appropriate to in consultation via the web site and the at stakeholder stimulate engagement. It must be acknowledged that these subsequent events and in emerging involvement arrangements work both ways in order to feed representations back documents. into the planning system to strengthen the robustness of the Plan, also to provide a dialogue back to those involved so that they are aware of the outcome. The local Northumberland Page 11 offers a longwinded introduction to the Local Development The document has a serve a wide audience development and Newcastle Framework. The wording could be considerably tightened. The and has to be written in a reasonably framework Society paragraph on the SCI is good. comprehensive fashion. Supplementary Planning Documents - should it not be stated that they will relate to specific issues of relevance at the time they are prepared?

The local Northumberland Page 12 has a graphic which is helpful but could be improved. A file Noted. The use of further graphics should development and Newcastle and folder graphic such as that used in Newcastle City Council's SCI is be explored. framework Society suggested. This page has unnecessary repetition such as under the Core Strategy: will set out . . . will set out . . .

The Local Government These sections should be nearer to the start of the document as they Agreed that the definitions should be added. Development Office for the set the context for the SCI. A separate definition should be included The order of the document is considered to Framework for North East for the Annual Monitoring Report and the Sustainability Appraisal be appropriate and will not be changed at the NNP and Reports. this stage. Components of the NNPLDF The Local Government Reference should be made to the transitional arrangements for saving Agreed. A reference should be added. Development Office for the local plan policies and their gradual replacement by the LDF. Framework for North East the NNP and Components of the NNPLDF

15 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI The Local Government It should be stated that all the DPDs should be in conformity with the Agreed. The document should be Development Office for the Core Strategy. Reference should be made to PPS12 in paragraphs amended. Framework for North East 2.9 and 2.10. the NNP and Components of the NNPLDF Supplementary Northumberland Page 13 has detail about the Supplementary Planning Documents Disagree. The consultation methods and Planning and Newcastle which is probably unnecessary for the SCI but nonetheless we are arrangements as set out in the SCI apply Documents Society pleased to note that the issues of sustainable construction, energy also to supplementary planning documents. efficiency and biodiversity are to be incorporated in the new Building Design Guide.

Your Government The key stages of the document should mention the sustainability Agree. A reference should be added. involvement in Office for the appraisal process rather than rely upon a link. the preparation North East of the Local Development Framework Your Government The differences between different stages in consultation should be Agreed. Further clarification should be involvement in Office for the made clearer. Clarification is also needed of the Independent added. the preparation North East Examination process. of the Local Development Framework Your Government An explanation should be given of the test of soundness asset out in Agreed. Reference should be made to the involvement in Office for the PPS12. test of soundness. the preparation North East of the Local Development Framework

16 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI Your Northumberland Page 14 attempts to address the reader directly by using the word Noted. involvement in and Newcastle "your" but unfortunately many may have fallen by the wayside at this the preparation Society stage. The opening sentences state: " . . . will all follow a consistent The SCI is likely to be revised in the future. of the Local process when they are prepared. The process to be followed . . ." Development which is too wordy. Framework Review: is the whole process really going to be repeated all over again? It is unlikely that the community will be interested in such detail on the processes. It suffocates the main message of the document. Community and Government More detail should be given in relation to what type and scale of Further clarification could be given. Stakeholder Office for the application should be subject to wider consultation. However, given the small number of Involvement in North East The Deputy Prime Minister should be changed to First Secretary of applications received, the document should the State. The address of the Authority website should be given when avoid being over prescriptive. Development reference is made to it. Control Process Community and Northumberland Page 16 contains some of the "meat" of the SCI and is useful. Noted. stakeholder and Newcastle "Community and other stakeholder involvement" would be preferable. involvement in Society Para 1, line 4 receives rather than "received". the development control process Community and Northumberland Page 17 outlines further methods of community involvement but fails The document should be revised in this stakeholder and Newcastle to mention public speaking at planning committee. It is understood that regard. involvement in Society this is now available. This is an important method of community the development involvement and should be included. Involvement in planning appeals control process is something which has not generally been mentioned by other authorities but it does appear relevant and NNPA is applauded for including this paragraph. Community and English Nature Recommend that the SCI encourages developers to carry out pre- A suitable reference could be added. stakeholder application discussions concerning applications likely to affect or involvement in indirectly affect SSSIs, protected species or other issue identified in the PPS9. This should help undue delay in determining applications Development following submission. Control Process

17 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI Resources and Government This section could include more detail in relation to resources such as Agreed. A suitable reference could be Management Office for the the costs of various consultation methods and opportunities for joint added. North East consultation.

Resources and Northumberland Page 18 harks back to the vision, suggesting confusion about the Agreed. The reference to the vision of the management and Newcastle purpose of the SCI. There should be recognition of the importance of Authority should be deleted. Society community involvement in the planning process per se, whether or not it contributes to the vision. Other authorities have generally mentioned the planning delivery grant under Resources and Management. Is this not applicable here?

Review of the Government This paragraph should refer to the Annual Monitoring Report and Agreed. SCI Office for the perhaps give details of how the effectiveness of the SCI would be North East measured. Appendix A Berwick and The list seems to lack readily identifiable community groups – It is The Authority maintains a freestanding list of North suggested that the following should be included: NNP Voluntary LDF consultees, rather than include a long Northumberland Ranger Service, LSPs, County LA21 Groups, Development Trusts list of consultees in the SCI as set out in the LA21 Steering working in or close to the park boundary. guidance. This is because such list are Group subject to regular change and would soon be out of date.

Appendix A Government The consultation bodies as set out in Annex E of PPS12 should be Agreed. Office for the included and text elsewhere in the document amended. North East Appendix A Northumberland Appendix A would benefit from a better title. Some of the groups are Agreed. and Newcastle generic but others specific. Could The Northumberland and Newcastle Society Society please be included in the list of special interest groups? Thank you.

Appendix A RSPB Please include the RSPB in the table of consultees in Appendix A Agreed

18 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI General Highways Welcomes opportunity to express views and has no specific comments Noted Agency at this stage General Ministry Of The Army Training Estate Otterburn welcomes the opportunity to be Noted. Defence involved with the LDF and in particular the Draft SCI. The Army will be a key partner in the It is hoped and encouraged that the National Park Authority will preparation of the Otterburn Training Area engage with the Training Area when re-drafting the Otterburn Training Supplementary Planning Document. Area, Supplementary Planning Document. General Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust would like to be added to the organisations in Agreed Appendix A to be consulted on planning policies in the development of the LDF. Currently we believe that the SCI fails the soundness test of identifying in general terms which local community groups and other bodies will be consulted.

We would also like to be added to the list of consultees for planning applications that directly or indirectly affect ancient woodland. General Equal It would not be necessary to submit further documents relating to the Noted Opportunities development plan. Commission General The Planning After the consultation period it is anticipated that the National Park Noted Inspectorate Authority submits the SCI to the Secretary of State and requests a Planning Inspector to test its soundness. Further information on the test for soundness is available from the Planning Inspectorate website. General General Aviation No comments Noted awareness Council General Hexham Civic The Society does not feel that it should comment on an SCI that does Noted Society not cover Hexham.

19 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI General Berwick and It is felt that several parts of the document are not directly related to its The document has included details about North main purpose, which is seen as explaining how NNPA will try to the LDF so that it can be as comprehensive Northumberland involve the community in the planning/forward planning process. For as possible. LA21 Steering example, does that explanation require an explanation of LDF [while Group this may be needed it should be a topic in its own right]? The readability of the document would be improved by making it shorter by removing these parts and so retaining a clear focus on the essential message being conveyed. General Government The document is clearly written in an accessible style and tailored to Noted. Consideration will be given to the Office for the the special circumstances of the National Park. More diagrams could appropriate use of graphics. North East be used however to aid understanding. General Sherburn Stone Support the Statement of Community Involvement Noted General Northumberland The document needs to be more accessible to the people it is The accessibility and language of the and Newcastle intended to reach. The document should use less jargon and should document will be re-examined when the Society be shorter. submission version is prepared. General Northumberland In Summary it is suggested that the challenge should be to reduce this Noted. and Newcastle document to 12 easy-to-read pages, bearing in mind the intended Society reader. Finally, it is pleasing to note that the NNPA has produced this draft consultation document on ordinary paper with text on both sides of the page, rather than as a full-colour glossy publication which would have been a wasteful use of resources. General English Nature Would encourage the Authority to consider the long overdue need for Noted, but not a matter directly related to a Regional Environmental Information Centre in the North East, as the SCI. promoted by the North East Biodiversity Forum. Such a resource would be valuable in providing baseline information for strategic environmental assessment, for monitoring local development frameworks and for developers in evaluating the environmental aspects of sites and properties. General English Heritage Strongly endorses the value of consulting statutory and non statutory Noted bodies in the heritage sector in the planning process, and your own conservation staff.

20 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI General English Heritage A number of other detailed comments are made relating directly to the These comments will be considered outside development control and strategic environmental assessment of the confines of the SCI. processes. General Countryside No comments at this stage Noted Agency General Northumberland The process would benefit from a programme of continuous Agreed. The document should be made County Council improvement. For example, it would be appropriate for the process, clearer in this regard. methods and range of consultees to be reviewed within the LDF Annual Monitoring Report to ensure the involvement is fit for purpose. General Northumberland The draft SCI provides linkages between other relative community Noted. County Council strategies and aims to plan community involvement into the process of preparing and revising local development documents that are fit for purpose. The County Council supports the Northumberland National Park’s approach doing so. The County Council would like to raise the following recommendations to strengthen the ‘soundness’ of the draft SCI: 1. The document neglects to identify the Statutory Development It is agreed that a wider reference to the Plan. It may be useful to highlight that the North East development plan would be beneficial. Assembly is the Regional Planning Body (RPB) for the North East. The RPB has a statutory obligation to prepare the Regional Spatial Strategy and to ensure that Local Development Documents and major planning applications are in conformity with the Regional Spatial Strategy. In addition the Northumberland County and Northumberland National Park Joint Structure Plan requires recognition as it informs the Statutory Development Plan until 2 February 2008. 2. It would be useful to identify when the County Council will be It is not considered appropriate to include consulted on planning applications (in accordance with the the detailed consultation arrangements in development control agreement between the Districts and the County respect of planning applications in this Council) and when advisory consultations will be carried out with document. These are governed by specialist officers in the County Council (for example the Ecologist, legislation and regulation and separate Archaeologist and Historic Buildings Advisor). agreements.

21 SECTION OF RESPONDENT SUMMARY OF COMMENT RESPONSE SCI General Berwick and The title needs to be more specific. The title adopted for the document North Although 'the wider work of the authority' is mentioned several times in describes the statutory purpose of the Northumberland the early part of the document the main emphasis is very much on document. LA21 Steering planning applications and development framework and involving the The primary purpose of the document is Group community in those processes [a noble aim] with little or no indication concerned with community involvement in of how community involvement in any other sphere [eg volunteering] planning matters. The ideas contained might be achieved. however could be applied to the wider work of the Authority. General Northumberland The draft SCI is easy to understand particularly for those who may not Noted, though further attempts will be made County Council be aware of the planning process and associated terms. to improve understanding and accessibility in preparing the submission version of the document. General Scottish The Agency welcomes the commitment of NNPA to involve Noted Environment Government Agencies and Departments that work in and around the Protection National Park in the preparation and implementation of its planning Agency policy. General Tarset & Members applaud the intention for more community involvement but Unfortunately, the length of the consultation Greystead Parish feel that more time should have been allowed for consultation. period is governed by legislation. Council

22