Section Two: Tynedale in 2021 – a vision for sustainable development
2.1 Having considered what Tynedale is currently like in the spatial portrait, this section of the Core Strategy sets out a vision for what it will be like in 2021.
2.2 In 2021 Tynedale will have retained the many positive characteristics that make it such an attractive place to live, visit and work. The scale of development will have been modest and there will not have been significant physical change. The aims of sustainable development in terms of social, environmental and economic issues will be at the heart of thinking and decision making.
2.3 The character of the built and natural environment will have been maintained and in some cases enhanced. New development will have been sensitively located and designed. Buildings and areas of particular environmental importance will have been given strong protection. Access to and enjoyment of the countryside will have increased, as will the sustainable management of the cultural heritage, countryside and green spaces generally. Biodiversity and geodiversity will have been conserved and enhanced. The overwhelming impression of the District in 2021 will still be one of one of unspoilt countryside.
2.4 The amount of green field land taken up by development will have been minimised and best use will have been made of existing buildings and previously developed land.
2.5 Progress will have been made in terms of energy efficiency and sources of renewable energy will have been developed sensitively. The amount of waste will have been reduced and there will have been an increase in the reuse and recycling of waste. Approaches to the scale, location and design of development and the generation and use of energy will have made a positive contribution towards tackling the issue of climate change.
2.6 Hexham, Prudhoe and Haltwhistle and to a lesser extent Allendale, Bellingham, Corbridge and Haydon Bridge will continue to act as the key service centres for the wider area. They will have been the focus for new development and the range of services and facilities they offer will have been maintained and in some cases enhanced. The commercial centres of these towns and villages will thrive and provide a range of shopping and other services. A wide network of smaller villages providing core services will have been sustained. Innovative ways of providing and accessing services and facilities will have been developed along with support from a range of organisations. New and improved facilities and public services will have been provided to meet the needs of local communities.
2.7 The population will have stabilised at just under 60,000 and in-migration which fuelled previous growth will have been reduced. Younger people will be more likely to stay in the area due to an increase in affordable housing and improvements in local services and facilities.
2.8 House building rates will have fallen to reflect the needs of a stable rather than continually growing population. The range and type of new housing built will meet the needs of the whole community, particularly those not able to afford market prices. The number of people in housing need will have fallen significantly.
2.9 The local economy will have remained strong and unemployment rates will continue to be low. Further diversification of the economy will have taken place and the range and quality of jobs will have increased. The tourism and leisure sectors will continue to prosper.
2.10 There will be an improved public transport system that is more reliable and more integrated than at present. The extent, frequency and quality of public transport services will have been enhanced. Opportunities for walking and cycling will have been enhanced.
2.11 The Tyne Gap will continue to provide an important artery through the District, safely and effectively linking Tynedale’s main communities with each other, with the regional capitals of the north-east and Cumbria and with Scotland, as well as being integrated with transport links to other parts of Tynedale. The benefits of this will be realised within the local economy through tourism and local employment with the best possible use being made of the railway infrastructure and further improvements to the A69. Transport services and infrastructure will be of a standard and quality that allow the whole community safe, effective access to work, services and facilities.