MALTON and Norton-on-Derwent Town Councils have launched the public consultation of their joint Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct powers to develop a shared vision for the community and an opportunity to directly shape the development and growth of the area including new homes, workplaces, community facilities, tourism, highway schemes and the environment.

Cllr David Lloyd-Williams, Chair of the steering group, said: “This has been a long time in the making, and the pandemic has had the effect of delaying our progress further – but we’ve finally got there, and Malton and Norton are now satisfied that we have a pre-submission plan that’s responsive to the needs of the community.

“A huge amount of consideration and effort has gone into its development, and I want to pay tribute to all the team involved, including our professional advisers for the work they’ve done over the past few years. We’re now confident it represents a solid vision for our future.”

The public consultation period will last for six weeks. following which the Plan will be submitted to Ryedale District Council (RDC) to advertise the plan for any further comment and to organise an independent examination.

If approved the policies in the Plan must be taken into consideration when deciding future planning applications.

The public consultation will be open from Friday, February12 until Friday, March 26.

Summaries of the Plan will be delivered to households and businesses in Malton and Norton and surrounding villages.

Hard copies will also be available to view at both town council offices and libraries. In addition, the town councils will be holding online drop-in sessions, via Zoom

For more information go to www.malton-tc.gov.uk/malton-norton-neighbourhood-plan/

www.nortononderwent.co.uk/malton-norton-neighbourhood-plan/