RESIDENTS have voted a resounding 'yes' in the UK's first neighbourhood plan referendum.

The historic referendum was held in the Upper Eden area of Cumbria on Thursday (7 March).

Residents were asked whether they wanted Eden District Council to use the neighbourhood plan for the Upper Eden area to help decide planning applications.

Voters endorsed the plan, which covers 17 parishes in East Cumbria.

The plan will now go forward to be formally included as part of Eden District Council's Development Plan at a full council meeting on 11 April 2013.

Neighbourhood Planning is a new system of spatial planning which allows residents to come together to produce their own development plan for their area.

Some 1310 residents voted in favour, with just 138 residents voting against. The total number of votes was 1,452 - a turnout rate of 33.67%.

Council leader Gordon Nicolson offered his congratulations to the Upper Eden Planning Group on a successful result.

Councillor Nicolson said: "I am delighted that the residents of Upper Eden have decided by a significant majority to endorse the Upper Eden Community Plan.

"This is the first plan in the country. I do hope that local people will now submit planning applications and we look forward to dealing with them.

"That is how the communities will benefit as the housing they want will be built in places they want to live."

Malcolm Smith, the local authority's planning and economy portfolio holder said he was "overjoyed" with the result of the referendum.

"I am sure the local community will take up the benefits this plan will open up for them with their planning applications.

"I would like to congratulate everyone, including the 17 parishes for the effort they put in to achieve this unique and positive result."

The Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan was produced by the Upper Eden Community Plan Group, which represents 17 parish councils across the area.