Once a Local Planning Authority (LPA), such as Castle Point Borough Council, has finished preparing and consulting on a local plan (the Castle Point Plan) this must be submitted to the Secretary of State (central government) who will appoint an Inspector through the Planning Inspectorate to carry out an independent examination.
The examination will assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements, and consider if the plan is 'sound'. There are four tests of 'soundness' which are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. In summary, these consider whether the plan:
- has been positively prepared
- is justified by proportionate evidence
- is effective, being deliverable, and based upon effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters, and
- consistent with national planning policy
The Inspector will consider the evidence provided by the Council to support the plan and any representations (comments) which have been submitted by residents, businesses, stakeholders and partners through the Regulation 19 Consultation, and over the course of the examination.
At the end of the examination, the Inspector will send a report to the Council recommending whether or not the plan is sound and meets the legal requirements and if the Plan can be adopted by the Council.
In carrying out the examination, the Inspector will be conscious of the benefits of having a robust and up to date plan adopted as quickly as possible and will apply the principles of openness, fairness and impartiality.
For further information please see the following guidance documents:
Taking Part in Examinations - Local plans: taking part in examinations - GOV.UK
Procedure Guide for Local Plan Examinations - Procedure Guide for Local Plan Examinations - GOV.UK