Coulby Newham referendum – Middlesbrough residents to vote

Voters in Coulby Newham can have their say on the ward’s neighbourhood plan in a referendum on Thursday, March 19. 

Under existing legislation, parish councils and “designated neighbourhood forums” can prepare neighbourhood plans, which can have an impact on planning policies and therefore development of the land.

If approved, the neighbourhood plan will play a part when it comes to determining the future of the ward, with specific considerations including parks and green spaces, heritage assets, and public transport.

Also accounted for within the neighbourhood plan are health services, as well as key buildings. The document is said to provide opportunities for new facilities and services which could “enhance the quality of life” for residents.

The questions that voters will have to answer says: “Do you want Middlesbrough Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Coulby Newham to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

If more than 50 per cent of residents agree to the plans, then a future report will bring the matter to full council so that it can become part of the statutory development plan for the area, against which future planning applications will be determined.

Turnout is expected to be low, as is the norm in these small-scale referendums.

The last vote on a neighbourhood plan in Middlesbrough took place in Stainton & Thornton in 2022, where turnout was only 18 per cent. The plan was overwhelmingly backed by residents, with more than 95 per cent of those who voted wanting to see their neighbourhood plan used to help in making decisions on planning applications.

The previous year, Marton West had a similar vote, with an even lower turnout – less than one in six eligible voters had their say. Regardless, the neighbourhood plan was overwhelmingly favoured by those who did turn out.

In Coulby Newham, there will be four polling stations open on Thursday, where more than 6,000 residents will have the opportunity to put a cross in a box.

The stations are located at Sunnyside Academy, Langdon Square Community Centre, Lingfield Ash Meeting Hall, and Rose Wood Academy.

Voters should check their polling card to see which station they should attend.

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm, with the count happening shortly after polls close – a result is expected late on Thursday night.