Have your say on the new Hartlepool Local Plan

The production of the Hartlepool Local Plan will enter an important new phase today with the launch of a major public consultation exercise.

The eight-week consultation, from today-July 22, is a chance for interested parties to comment on a Local Plan Preferred Options document which sets out Hartlepool Borough Council’s preferred policies to guide the growth of the town over the next 15 years.

Comments received during the consultation period will be taken into account when producing the Publication Stage of the Local Plan, scheduled for October this year.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of the council, said: “The Local Plan is incredibly important as it will set the planning framework for the next 15 years, containing policies that will help Hartlepool achieve its vision for future growth and prosperity.

“I believe that the Local Plan Preferred Options document provides a strong and effective planning policy framework that will help the town achieve its ambitions whilst protecting its most attractive and sensitive assets, including the historic environment.

“It’s important that all interested parties are given the opportunity to comment on the document and I would urge them to take part in the consultation exercise.”

Key issues covered in the consultation document include: strengthening the local economy; identifying new housing sites to meet the town’s future needs; minimising the impact of development on climate change and reducing the risk of flooding and the future development of the town’s infrastructure, including strategic transport,

As part of the consultation exercise, drop-in events are to be staged in the Baltic Suite at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience on June 6 from 2pm-7.30pm and on July 7 from 2pm-7pm.

A short presentation will be repeated at intervals at both events, maps and documents will be available and Council planning officers will be present to answer questions.

The full Preferred Option Draft Local Plan and a proposals map can be viewed and comments made on the council’s website at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/localplan Copies of the plan can also be viewed at the Civic Centre, Hartlepool Central Library, Hartlepool Art Gallery, Headland Library, Seaton Carew Library, Owton Manor Library, Throston Library and on the town’s Mobile Library.

For further information or to arrange for a member of the Council’s Planning Policy Team to attend a community or interest group meeting call (01429) 284084 or email [email protected]