Local Development Framework - Independent Examination

This page contains information about the Independent Examination of Development Plan Documents. Our Core Strategy was submitted to the Secretary of State on 29 May 2009, beginning the Examination process.

Development Plan Documents (DPD) must be 'sound', both in terms of their content and the process by which they are produced. The revised Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) presents 3 tests of soundness for a DPD - whether it is justified, whether it is effective and whether it is consistent with national policy. DPDs must also be founded on a robust and credible evidence base. All DPDs must undergo an Independent Examination by the Planning Inspectorate to consider whether they meet relevant legislation and are 'sound'.

The Examination process begins when the Development Plan Document is submitted to the Secretary of State through the Planning Inspectorate. This follows the Publication Stage, when the Local Planning Authority publishes the draft DPD and invites representations relating to the document's soundness and legal compliance. Following submission, the Secretary of State appoints a Planning Inspector, who will consider the soundness of the DPD and the representations made. A Programme Officer is also appointed to assist the Inspector and liaise between him or her, the Council and any other participants in the Examination process.

In most cases, the inspector will hold a pre hearing meeting before the hearing sessions to discuss how he or she will manage the examination. The meeting will identify the main areas to be examined and a timetable will be produced for the hearing sessions. Everyone involved in the examination will be invited to attend the meeting. The hearing sessions normally involve round table discussions in a fairly relaxed atmosphere on a range of issues identified at the pre hearing meeting. Occasionally, where there are strongly opposed views on matters within the development plan document, the evidence may need to be tested more formally, with the relevant people putting their case forward with the help of legal representation.

If you would like further information about the Local Development Framework Independent Examination process please contact the Spatial Planning Team using the contact details on the left of this page.

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Introduction to Local Development Framework