Summary

Examination = whole process from submission in December 2015 until Inspector’s Report delivered to PCC.

The examination is all about “Soundness” & the Inspector will decide:

• Does the plan fit other national plans and is it internally consistent?
• Is the plan appropriate for the area in light of evidence?
• Will it deliver? / be effective in achieving its aims?

Appointed: Welsh Planning Inspector (PIN) NICOLA GULLEY; Program Officer (Admin & Go-between) TRACEY SMITH

Next steps & when:

1. Documents and Responses Submitted – soon, early December
2. Possible Exploratory Meeting, if PIN has doubts re “soundness”, to decide how to proceed – PIN will decide
3. Pre-Hearing Meeting, sets out main issues and what needs to be addressed in hearing – early February 2017
4. Hearing, PCC & objectors (& their reps – optional) 3-4 days/wk, PIN directs flexible agenda of issues – late March to early May
5. PIN writes binding report and it is checked before LDP adoption months – end 2017?

But

• Welsh Government can interfere if the LDP conflicts with national policy.
• Soundness of Further Focussed Changes could come up at any point between stage1 and end of 4.
• PIN could suspend LDP for 6 months’ more work as happened earlier this year.
• PIN could decide whole LDP cannot be made sound – have to start again from beginning.
• PIN could decide some bits have to go – it’s not at all clear whether some Further Focussed Changes can be retained while ditching others.

This is our understanding of process from the sources below. (best sources *)

• PINS LDP Plan Examination: Procedure Guidance (August 2015)* LINK
• PINS LDPs Preparing for submission (August 2014) LINK
• PINS Guidance for Programme Officers: LDP Examinations (June 2014)  LINK
• Welsh Government: Local Development Plan Manual (October 2015)* LINK
• Planning Policy Wales (9) Ch.2 November 2016  LINK