Views wanted on Ashington town centre plan

Posted by The Journal on Nov 11, 09 09:18 AM in Councils

People and businesses are being asked for their views on a key planning blueprint aimed at shaping the future development of their town centre.

A preferred option for the future of Ashington town centre has been drawn up following initial consultations carried out last month.

Ashington High Street

The so-called Draft Supplementary Planning Document (DSPD), which has been prepared with the help of One NorthEast and the Homes and Communities Agency, provides greater detail on existing policies for the area set out in the adopted Wansbeck District Local Plan.

It seeks to address issues highlighted in previous studies of the town centre, such as under-provision in the quality and range of shops, a lack of leisure and cultural activities and a poor quality pedestrian environment.

The formal consultation period on the DSPD starts today and will last for six weeks. Plans and documents explaining the preferred options are available on the county council website.

They can also be viewed at the council information point in Wansbeck Square, Ashington, at County Hall in Morpeth and in Ashington Library.

A public drop-in event, where the DSPD will be on display and council staff available to discuss the plans, will be held on Friday November 27 from 2pm to 7pm at the YMCA Building in North View, Ashington.

All comments must be made in writing and should reach the council by December 23.

The final Supplementary Planning Document, which will be agreed following the consultation period, will lead to a detailed masterplan for the north east section of Ashington town centre.

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