Development Plan Document Examinations - Programme Officer Guidance Notes
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The purpose of Examination of a Development Plan Document (DPD) is to consider whether the DPD meets the requirements of the relevant legislation and is ‘sound’. Sound may be considered in this context within its ordinary meaning of “showing good judgement” and “able to be trusted” and within the context of fulfilling the expectations of legislation.
1.2 As part of that process the Inspector (appointed by the Secretary of State) will consider representations made on the soundness of the DPD by interested parties such as local residents and developers. At the end of the examination the Inspector will issue a report to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The report will contain binding recommendations relating to any changes that need to be made to the DPD, to ensure it is sound, before being formally adopted.
1.3 The Planning Inspectorate publication, Development Plans Examination - A Guide to Assessing the Soundness of Development Plan Documents is a key reference document. It sets out in further detail the examination process and main associated matters.
1.4 The current legislative framework and other guidance on DPD Examinations and the wider Local Development Framework context is set out principally in:
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004
Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks
Creating Local Development Frameworks: A Companion guide to PPS12
1.5 You may also find the The Planning Inspectorate FAQs on the examination process helpful.
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