The Division, duties and responsibilities primarily relate to the way the built environment and new development contributes to the quality of life for those who live, work in or visit the City. The Division has responsibility for providing the long-term development plans (the Local Development Framework or LDF) for new residential, commercial and retail investment up to 2016 to provide a clear message of the Council’s aspirations for new homes, jobs opportunities and investment in infrastructure.

The City is proud of its heritage and development proposals should respect and contribute to our fine architecture, historic buildings and monuments (such as the Castle Keep and Hadrian’s Wall). The Division, through its development management function also has a key role in protecting and improving the natural landscape and heritage of the City with its world famous Tyne Valley gorge, landscape and rich fauna and flora.

The Division provides a key role in transport planning within the wider sub-region being the lead reporting function on the Local Transport Plan for Tyne and Wear. The Division also provides a range of services to the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA).

The Council’s Strategic Housing Function has also recently merged with this Planning and Transport Division. This has responsibility for delivering the Council’s statutory and strategic roles as Strategic Housing Authority, including managing the relationship with the Council’s Arms Length Management Organisation (Your Homes Newcastle).

The Division carries out duties in relation to homelessness including managing temporary accommodation. It also supports the management team for the North East Consortium for Asylum and Refugee Support (NECARS) who provide accommodation and support to asylum seekers within the region.

Director of Strategic Housing, Planning and Transportation: Harvey Emms