Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Overview

South Tyneside Council is consulting on the proposed Main Modifications to the South Tyneside Local Plan 2023-2040. These are changes the independent Planning Inspector examining the draft plan has identified as being necessary to make the Plan sound and legally compliant. This consultation is not a repeat of earlier consultations, and it is not an opportunity to comment on parts of the Plan that are not proposed to be modified.

Comments are therefore only invited on:

• Main Modifications Schedule - Publication Draft South Tyneside Local Plan 2023-2040 (2026)
• South Tyneside Local Plan 2023 -2040 Policies Map – Main Modification Schedule (2026)
• Sustainability Appraisal Main Modifications addendum (2026)
• Habitats Regulations Assessment Main Modifications addendum (2026)
• Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) (Update 2026)
• South Tyneside Local Plan 2023 -2040 – Additional Modifications Schedule (2026)

These can be found here (opens in new window). All representations made on these documents will be sent to the Inspector for consideration with the exception of those relating to the Additional Modification Schedule, which will be considered by the Council.

The Main Modifications are set out in each section of this consultation to reduce the amount of documents you need to have open but you can also open a PDF version of the Main Modications Schedule in a new window here.

What to consider when making a representation                         

When you comment at this stage, please focus on whether the specific modification you are commenting on would make the Plan:

1. Legally compliant

       Has the modification and any related material been prepared and consulted on in line with the legal requirements?

2. Sound

       If you think the modification would leave the Plan unsound tell us which test it fails:

      (a) positively prepared,

      (b) justified,

      (c) effective,

      (d) consistent with national policy.          

3. What appropriate change is needed?

When using the online consultation portal you can see a reminder of these tests by clicking the drop down box that appears before each question. 

The modifications (proposed changes) are show in bold and underlined are are followed by a note in brackets to say whether the text is being removed or added, for example:

text to be deleted [removed]

text to be added [added]

Please do not use this form to raise new site proposals or to revisit objections to parts of the submitted Plan that are not proposed for modification.

The Council has produced a Guidance Note and Summary of Main Modifications.  This document and full details of the Examination of the South Tyneside Local Plan and this consultation can be found here (opens in new window). 

Other ways to respond

Anyone unable to use the online portal can submit a response by email to local.plan@southtyneside.gov.uk. A template can be downloaded by clicking on the link above.

If you are finding it difficult to submit a response then please call us on 0191 424 7692.

What happens next

Responses will be forwarded to the Planning Inspector.

The Inspector will review the comments alongside the examination evidence.  

If necessary, the Inspector may request further hearing sessions for the Main Modifications.

If the Inspector is satisfied that the Main Modifications address the issues identified, he will isssue a final report.

The Inspector's final report will confirm whether the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant.

If the Local Plan is found sound, South Tyneside Council can then move to formally adopt it at a meeting of Full Council. 

Once adopted, the Local Plan will be used to guide planning decisions across the borough.