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Consultation will begin next week on an application by a community group to have its status as a Neighbourhood Forum reaffirmed.

The East Boldon Neighbourhood Forum was formally designated by Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 2017, however the designation only lasts five years.

 The Forum has therefore submitted an application to have its status as a forum reaffirmed.

Neighbourhood forums were created Under the Localism Act 2011 to empower residents to influence the future development of their area.

Cllr Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change, said:

"Neighbourhood Planning provides an opportunity for communities to actively influence the type, design, location and mix of new development in their local area, in addition to getting involved with the preparation of the Local Plan.

"However, a Neighbourhood Forum must be formally designated by the council before it can carry out any planning activity."

A seven-week consultation period will start on Monday 10 October and run until 27 November.

Copies of the application are available via the council's website at . Printed copies of the documents are available to view at Boldon and Cleadon Community Library. 

Representations can be made by e-mail to local.plan@southtyneside.gov.uk or by post to:

Spatial Planning, Development Services, Regeneration and Environment, Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Town Hall and Civic Offices, Westoe Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2RL

Following the consultation, Cabinet will make a decision as to whether to approve the application.

If a designation is made no other organisation or body may be designated for the neighbourhood area until that designation expires or is withdrawn.