Local Plan (Fifth Edition)
Public Consultations
Engagement in plan-making
Local knowledge helps to improve decisions and prevent costly oversights.
Engagement with the community is an essential component of effective plan-making and decision-making.
Understanding the views of residents, businesses, community groups etc. helps to establish relationships, improve outcomes, build trust, reduce risks, and create value.
In particular local knowledge and expertise can help to highlight:
- Historical context – understanding past issues and successes
- Usage patterns – how spaces and services are actually used
- Cultural considerations – community values and sensitivities
- Practical challenges – real-world constraints and opportunities
- Future needs – anticipated changes and requirements
Our Engagement Strategy sets out how the Council will consult with member =s of the public, statutory consultees and other interested parties as part of the plan-making process.
Scoping report (Reg. 20)
Invite views on what the new local plan should contain and how people would like to be engaged in the plan-making process. Minimum duration 21 days.
The Council will also conduct a ‘Call for Sites’ requesting information about any land that could be used for housing, employment, infrastructure, or other development proposals.
Plan content (Reg. 23)
Invite views on the proposed content of the local plan and the evidence base underpinning it. Minimum duration 6 weeks.
Proposed plan (Reg. 27)
Publish and consult on the documents to be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination. Minimum duration 8 weeks.
Examination (Reg. 35)
Consideration of the plan proposals by an independent person appointed by the Planning Inspectorate. Anticipated duration 5 months.
If changes to the local plan are required prior to adoption, a public consultation on these ‘main modifications’ will be held. Minimum duration not specified but will not be less than 6 weeks.