Public Consultation

/in News/by Clerk

The public “consultation” on Swale Borough Council’s local plan review has launched this morning. Local plans are prepared by the Local Planning Authority (LPA), in this case Swale Council. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the planning system should be genuinely plan-led. Succinct and up-to-date plans should provide a positive vision for the future of each area and a framework for addressing housing needs and other economic, social and environmental priorities. This is the final stage of consultation before the council submit the plan to the Secretary of State Once submitted the Secretary of State will appoint an Inspector to carry out an independent examination. This process is dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate. The Inspector will consider the evidence provided by the LPA to support the plan and any representations which have been put forward by local people and other interested parties. It is important that residents and other interested parties respond to this consultation, but responses need to be based on whether the plan is sound or not.

To assist, the NPPF sets out four tests of soundness:

• Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which 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 plan should be 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 Local Plan Review 2021 (Reg 19)

Start date: 08/02/21 09:00

End date: 23/03/21 17:00

Please select the following link to view this event:

https://swale-consult.objective.co.uk/kse