Planning Inspector Louise Crosby (MA MRTPI) was appointed to undertake an independent examination into the soundness of our Site Allocations Plan.
The Inspector’s task was to consider the soundness of the submitted Plan, based on the criteria set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The relevant soundness criteria are whether the Plan is:
- Positively prepared (based on a strategy that seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent
with achieving sustainable development);
- Justified (the most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence);
- Effective (the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities); and
- Consistent with national policy (the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the Framework).
The Inspector has taken into account the representations submitted at both Pre Submission and Focused Change stages as far as they relate to soundness considerations. A number of informal debates have taken place on the principal matters identified by
the Inspector - these were called hearing sessions.
Following the closure of the Examination, the Inspector prepared a report with precise recommendations, which included modifications to the Plan.
Guidance notes were prepared by the Inspector to help people understand the process and are available below.
Site Allocations Examination guidance notes (PDF 86KB)
