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Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Cabinet will next week be asked to consider putting a neighbourhood plan forward for a referendum.

A neighbourhood plan is a means of communities having a say in the future of places where they live and work, helping to shape development and growth in their local areas, including where they want homes, offices, transport and other community infrastructure to be built.

Public consultation was carried out earlier this year on the East Boldon Neighbourhood Plan, which was developed by the village's Neighbourhood Forum. The plan then had to be submitted to an independent examination.

The Examiner's Report, received by the council in July, has recommended that subject to certain modifications, the plan should proceed to a referendum.

George Mansbridge, Corporate Director Regeneration and Environment, said: "We'd like to thank everyone who had their say on the plan in the two rounds of consultation, and if it does proceed to a referendum, we'd encourage people to vote."

If a referendum is agreed, residents will be asked the question: "Doyou want Â鶹ÊÓƵ to use the neighbourhood plan for East Boldon Neighbourhood Area to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?'