Site Specific ProposalsThe Site Specific Proposals document identifies individual sites for specific uses to deliver objectives and policies in the Core Strategy. Sites have been identified for development based on a range of planning criteria.
Site Specific Proposals & Conversion & Re-use of Rural Buildings as Dwellings (Examination Stage)
The Examination of the Site Specific Proposals Draft Plan and Draft Policy for the Conversion & Re-use of Rural Buildings as Dwellings is programmed to commence in June 2010. Both Development Plan Documents include proposed amendments to the Proposals Map.
The District Council has submitted the documents to the Secretary of State and we are now awaiting the appointment of an independent Planning Inspector who will consider if the documents are 'sound' (e.g. fit for use).
Examination Procedure
A Public Examination is held in order to assess the 'soundness' of a Development Plan Document. It was the job of any person commenting on the documents to explain to the Inspector exactly why the document is or is not 'sound'. In order to judge the document, each comment submitted during the recent Public Consultations should have been related to one or more 'tests of soundness'. These tests are:
Is the document:
- Legally Compliant - does it comply with the appropriate regulations?
- Justified - was the document produced on a robust and credible evidence base involving community consultation and factual research?
- Effective - can the document actually be delivered? Are there any barriers preventing aspects of the document from being achieved?
- Consistent with National Policy - does the document accord with national guidance, aims and objectives?
The Inspector will consider all representations submitted during the consultations. The vast majority of representations will be considered as 'written representations', and will not need to be debated at an oral hearing. Some of the representations will need to be debated at an oral hearing, and the Inspector will draw up a programme for this to take place. Any person who submitted representations during the Draft Plan consultation, Schedule of Key Changes consultation, or the Conversion & Re-use of Rural Buildings as Dwellings Draft Policy Consultation had the right to request that their case is considered at the oral hearing.
Following completion of the hearings, the Inspector will prepare a binding report for submission to the District Council. The District Council is required to accept the changes recommended.
The Planning Inspectorate has produced a short guidance document aimed at members of the public wishing to participate in the examination of Development Plan Documents. The guide, and further information can be found by visiting the Planning Inspectorate website.
Further information will be available in due course.
An evidence library has been assembled as part of the examination process. This contains a variety of information sources which have informed the production of the Site Specific Proposals Draft Plan. Links have been povided where possible to enable users easy access to documents. The Library is also available for public viewing (during office hours). Please telephone Planning Policy for further information on 01253 516318.