180 likes | 189 Views
Examinations – Top Tips. Andrew Ashcroft Independent Examiner Assistant Director – Economic Environment and Cultural Services, Herefordshire Council. By way of background. 74 Neighbourhood Parish areas now designated in Herefordshire 134 Parishes – still some way to go…
E N D
Examinations – Top Tips Andrew AshcroftIndependent Examiner Assistant Director – Economic Environment and Cultural Services, Herefordshire Council
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
Strong civic pride High quality environment
Widescale community involvement Low crime rates
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
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
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
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
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.
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?
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
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?
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