npiers (andrew ashcroft) neighbourhood planning presentation
DESCRIPTION
NPIERS (Andrew Ashcroft) introduce their Neighbourhood Planning Activity, as presented at a Planning Advisory Service (PAS) event.TRANSCRIPT
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Examinations – Top Tips
Andrew AshcroftIndependent ExaminerAssistant Director – Economic Environment and Cultural Services, Herefordshire Council
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By way of background
• 74 Neighbourhood Parish areas now designated in Herefordshire
• 134 Parishes – still some way to go…• Dedicated neighbourhood planning team of three officers• Independent examination of Much Wenlock Plan
(Shropshire)• NPIERS member
• Sutton St Nicholas Steering Group member
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Strong civic pride
High quality environment
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Vibrant Market Town
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Widescale community involvement
Low crime rates
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Particular environmental issues
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Vibrant Steering Group
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Learning from other examinations
• A critical mass of experience now developing on process
• A variety of neighbourhood plans coming through to examination
• Common themes• Common approaches taken by
examiners• Clear learning points
• The process is clearly working
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The Basic Conditions• Designed to be basic
• Get these right at all costs
• Without exception examiners test Plans against these conditions
• Basic but not restrictive – your foundation for success
• Examiners have considerable flexibility to recommend modifications
• Most modifications are on clarity and conformity to NPPF
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Public Engagement gives confidence
• Examiners check that engagement has been fully carried out
• They often give positive feedback • It gives assurance that the Plan is
properly owned• It gives confidence that the Plan has
been informed by public debate • It underpins an eventual referendum
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Examiners giving a helping hand
• Examiners propose modifications to ensure that Plans meet the basic conditions
• These modifications have been many and varied
• Modifications extend to deletion of policies/allocations
• And do not change content/focus – it remains your Plan
• Often comment on focus/enthusiasm/vigour of Plan
• Recognise that you are making the Localism Act a reality
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Top Tips - Appointment
• LPA appoints but with agreement of the QB• Source an examiner once pre-submission
consultation stage has been reached
• Give as much information as you can on the application form: are any specialist skills needed? What are the key issues in the Plan or Order? Site allocations?
• Be realistic about timing, level of risk etc.
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Working with the examiner
• Agree how the LPA, QB and examiner will work together
• Useful to have one point of contact• The ‘big box’ of documents• How long will the examination take? Is there a
deadline to meet?
• How will you keep in touch? How often will you keep in touch?
• Should there be a site visit?
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Dealing with representations
• Send copies to the examiner• A summary sheet is a very helpful addition• Dealing with late reps
• ‘Ad hoc’ reps
• Dealing with the public in general• Reps for or at the hearing• Fairness, openness and transparency
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Issues to consider
• How long will the examination take? A hearing will add time
• Be realistic about timing and when to expect the report from the examiner
• Bear in mind committee cycles and other internal procedures that will need to be followed once in receipt of the report
• Does the QB have a date in mind? Has a referendum date already been suggested?
• Do you want to allow a period for legal challenge?
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Bear in mind
• Steep learning curve for everyone – including examiners• Consistency of approach desirable between plans in your
area• Each examiner may have a different way of working• Liaise and keep in touch with the QB
• Don’t underestimate time or resources needed to do it properly
• Post examination press and publicity
• Process does not stop at examination stage