Community Plans
Different plans and information summaries, each with a different purpose, have been produced by various bodies. Each is a major piece of work, and most need volunteers to bring them to fruition.
Neighbourhood Plans
These are plans directly connected to the Planning process, resulting in statutory guidance which must be followed in the local area. The parish council would be the lead body in creating such a plan. Information is available at https://neighbourhoodplanning.org/ . It is an enormous task, and there would need to be a dedicated group, under the aegis of the parish council and led by councillors, to bring such a plan to fruition.
Community Plans
The Alston Moor Partnership has produced Community Plans, the most recent dating from 2019. These are intended to represent an overall idea of what is needed and wanted, and provide local groups with a basis for applying for grants to take projects forward as it is evidence of community support.
Such plans are produced by volunteers and are very time-consuming. The need for an up-to-date Community Plan is recognised, and anyone interested in helping to undertake consultation and research towards the next one is encouraged to get in touch with Alston Moor Partnership.
Economic Appraisal
Last produced by Alston Moor Business Association, which has since disbanded.
Town Benchmarking
A benchmarking exercise was undertaken in late 2018 and published in 2019, by People and Places, which gave a snapshot of facts and views about Alston town centre.