Possible Site Allocations and Site Specific Framework

In August 2025 we asked for views on three broad options for where development could take place:

  • Making the most of land within the existing urban area
  • Creating a large new settlement
  • Allowing sustainable extensions to existing communities in the North West

Feedback from this stage has helped shape our Initial Draft Local Plan. This consultation proposes focusing development within the urban area wherever possible, while still protecting important green spaces. However, urban land alone cannot meet all future needs. We would therefore like your views on several possible sites including some areas currently within the Green Belt.

Development in the urban area

The urban area covers our towns and established neighbourhoods. Here, the Plan proposes:

  • Using existing allocations
  • Bringing forward new brownfield sites
  • Developing a small number of green spaces where appropriate
  • Making use of windfall sites that may come forward over time

In total, around 8,100 new homes could be delivered in the urban area.

Proposals for the North West

We are considering four potential growth areas in the North West. These areas include attractive and close‑knit villages, so any development would need to:

  • Be proportionate to the size and character of existing communities
  • Support improvements to bus services, local shops and community facilities
  • Provide new high‑quality open spaces
  • Deliver benefits for both new and existing residents

We welcome your views on the scale and location of potential growth in this part of the Borough.

North Tyneside Northern Growth Area (Backworth)

Land north of Backworth offers the potential for a new community of 2,000–3,000 homes. The area benefits from excellent transport links, including:

  • The Northumberland Line
  • A network of walking, cycling and waggonway routes

Any development here would need to provide:

  • Significant new open spaces and biodiversity improvements
  • Local shopping and community facilities
  • High‑quality sustainable transport options
  • Design that respects Backworth’s historic character
  • Protection of the Green Belt’s important role in separating Tyneside from South East Northumberland

We would like your views on whether this area should form a major part of the Borough’s growth.

Growth in the North East

Between Shiremoor and Whitley Bay, improved infrastructure and new Metro services linked to the Murton Gap strategic allocation could support further growth over the longer term. Two potential locations have been identified:

  • South‑west of Earsdon
  • North of Whitley Bay

Development here would need to:

  • Safeguard the character of Earsdon village
  • Create new accessible open spaces and improve countryside access
  • Strengthen walking, cycling, bus and Metro connections to the coast and Whitley Bay town centre
  • Provide any necessary supporting facilities such as parks, schools or health services
  • Carefully manage traffic impacts

We want to know whether you agree these locations could support future sustainable growth so please use the survey and the interactive map below to feedback your views.

Getting around the website

All responses will be dealt with in accordance with our privacy statement which can be found here.

If you have any questions about this survey or need us to do anything differently to help you take part, including providing this information in another language or format, please contact planning.policy@northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0191 643 2310.

In August 2025 we asked for views on three broad options for where development could take place:

  • Making the most of land within the existing urban area
  • Creating a large new settlement
  • Allowing sustainable extensions to existing communities in the North West

Feedback from this stage has helped shape our Initial Draft Local Plan. This consultation proposes focusing development within the urban area wherever possible, while still protecting important green spaces. However, urban land alone cannot meet all future needs. We would therefore like your views on several possible sites including some areas currently within the Green Belt.

Development in the urban area

The urban area covers our towns and established neighbourhoods. Here, the Plan proposes:

  • Using existing allocations
  • Bringing forward new brownfield sites
  • Developing a small number of green spaces where appropriate
  • Making use of windfall sites that may come forward over time

In total, around 8,100 new homes could be delivered in the urban area.

Proposals for the North West

We are considering four potential growth areas in the North West. These areas include attractive and close‑knit villages, so any development would need to:

  • Be proportionate to the size and character of existing communities
  • Support improvements to bus services, local shops and community facilities
  • Provide new high‑quality open spaces
  • Deliver benefits for both new and existing residents

We welcome your views on the scale and location of potential growth in this part of the Borough.

North Tyneside Northern Growth Area (Backworth)

Land north of Backworth offers the potential for a new community of 2,000–3,000 homes. The area benefits from excellent transport links, including:

  • The Northumberland Line
  • A network of walking, cycling and waggonway routes

Any development here would need to provide:

  • Significant new open spaces and biodiversity improvements
  • Local shopping and community facilities
  • High‑quality sustainable transport options
  • Design that respects Backworth’s historic character
  • Protection of the Green Belt’s important role in separating Tyneside from South East Northumberland

We would like your views on whether this area should form a major part of the Borough’s growth.

Growth in the North East

Between Shiremoor and Whitley Bay, improved infrastructure and new Metro services linked to the Murton Gap strategic allocation could support further growth over the longer term. Two potential locations have been identified:

  • South‑west of Earsdon
  • North of Whitley Bay

Development here would need to:

  • Safeguard the character of Earsdon village
  • Create new accessible open spaces and improve countryside access
  • Strengthen walking, cycling, bus and Metro connections to the coast and Whitley Bay town centre
  • Provide any necessary supporting facilities such as parks, schools or health services
  • Carefully manage traffic impacts

We want to know whether you agree these locations could support future sustainable growth so please use the survey and the interactive map below to feedback your views.

Getting around the website

All responses will be dealt with in accordance with our privacy statement which can be found here.

If you have any questions about this survey or need us to do anything differently to help you take part, including providing this information in another language or format, please contact planning.policy@northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0191 643 2310.