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Living in the North East
INTRODUCTION
3.1 It is essential for the development plan to deliver housing land supported by appropriate community facilities in order to maintain the prosperity and quality of life in the North East. It is also important for the plan to encourage the creation of quality living environments and to acknowledge the role housing plays in supporting the promotion and diversification of the economy. Structure plans and local plans, working together with other plans and initiatives, are responsible for providing opportunities that meet everyone’s future housing requirements, including those who cannot afford access to the housing market, the homeless, and those with special needs.
3.2 Population changes, demographic trends, migration and people’s aspirations, as well as external factors which influence our economy, all have a significant impact on the number and type of houses the development plan should deliver. A variety of factors also influence where housing is best located.
3.3 In response to these issues, this plan directs housing development to settlements in accordance with the aims and objectives of the plan’s strategy, in particular Objectives 1, 2 and 4. Accordingly, housing is to be located within settlements which are accessible to services and facilities and support economic development. National planning guidelines for housing highlight two important matters that give encouragement to the reuse of brownfield land and give greater heed to the relationship between land use and transport. The plan also provides guidance on the need for developer contributions and affordable housing, which will be delivered through local plans.
3.4 Retailing also makes a significant contribution to the quality of life in many different ways. Shops and related services often underpin the vitality and viability of communities and contribute towards minimising unnecessary travel. The retail industry also provides thousands of jobs in the production, distribution and sale of goods. New retail investment creates further job opportunities in related activities such as construction and shop-fitting. An improving range and quality of shops and services is an important indicator of the prosperity of the area and is therefore an influential factor in attracting new investors and visitors. The retail industry is, however, extremely dynamic, and the full impact, for instance, of internet shopping is still to be fully embraced. The structure plan guides new retail development into the existing settlements and places a strong emphasis on enhancing town centres.
3.5 Sport and recreation add to community vitality. Participation in sport contributes towards a healthy lifestyle, encourages tourism, provides job opportunities and therefore supports the local economy. Sport and recreation facilities also contribute towards the overall quality of life in each settlement and enhance perceptions of the North East as an attractive place. Encouragement is given to proposals which contribute towards the overall strategic aims of the plan.
