Development Plan Document Examinations - Programme Officer Guidance Notes
Annex 9 Standard Programme Officer Material
Annex 9.7
Dear
Notice of Pre-Examination Meeting
It appears from my records that you/your organisation has submitted representations on the [LPA name] Core Strategy. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Programme Officer responsible for assisting the Inspector with all aspects of the examination administration.
The Secretary of State has appointed [Inspector name] of the Planning Inspectorate to conduct the Examination, which will open on the [date].
Prior to this, a Pre-Examination meeting will be held on the [date] to discuss the management of the Examination. The meeting will take place in the [venue address]. The meeting will start at [time].
I should be grateful if you would let me know if you wish to attend the Pre-Examination Meeting. My contact details are outlined at the top of this letter.
A draft Programme for the Core Strategy Examination will be available on [LPA name]’s website a fortnight before the PEM, with paper copies available upon request from me. It will also be available at the PEM.
The enclosed draft list of Matters for Examination gives a brief description of issues to be covered, with the names of those who have asked to be heard in person. The draft Programme will be prepared by adding dates and times to this list of Matters. I particularly draw your attention to the fact that representations made only in writing carry exactly the same weight with the Inspectors as those pursued by a personal appearance at the Examination.
If you are shown under one or more matters, please say whether you a) now wish to proceed by written representations; or b) still wish to appear, and, if so c) if you prefer to be represented by a group or person with similar representations to your own*.
If you have now decided to withdraw your representation(s), please indicate accordingly.
If I do not receive your reply by [date], your representations will be dealt with as written representations.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
LDF PROGRAMME OFFICER
*The Inspectors prefer that respondents making points of a similar nature be represented by just a small number of individuals or organisations. `Group represenations’ will save time and avoid repetition of evidence at the Examination. This will not in any way reduce the points respondents wish to put before the Inspectors, who will read and consider the content of each duly made representation
