Independent Examination
The Neighbourhood Plan documents were submitted to an independent Examiner who assessed the contents of the Plan. His role was limited to testing whether or not the Neighbourhood Plan met specified basic conditions; it was not to test the soundness of a Neighbourhood Plan or other material considerations.
The Examiner reached a view by considering the written Representations submitted during the consultation period. (These Representations can be viewed from this link to EDDC's website.)
As a consequence, the basic conditions statement was the main way the Parish Council could demonstrate to the independent Examiner that its Neighbourhood Plan met the basic conditions. The Consultation Statement and Supporting evidence submitted were also important.
Where the independent Examiner considers it necessary, he could decide to hold a hearing to listen to oral representations about a particular issue. On 5th December 2016, the Examiner confirmed that a public hearing was not necessary but raised issues on part of the content of the Neighbourhood Plan.
The Examiner reached a view by considering the written Representations submitted during the consultation period. (These Representations can be viewed from this link to EDDC's website.)
As a consequence, the basic conditions statement was the main way the Parish Council could demonstrate to the independent Examiner that its Neighbourhood Plan met the basic conditions. The Consultation Statement and Supporting evidence submitted were also important.
Where the independent Examiner considers it necessary, he could decide to hold a hearing to listen to oral representations about a particular issue. On 5th December 2016, the Examiner confirmed that a public hearing was not necessary but raised issues on part of the content of the Neighbourhood Plan.
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Update on the Examiner's report - from the Neighbourhood Plan Chair
As part of the process of putting together a Neighbourhood Plan, the content has to be inspected and accepted by an External Examiner. The East Budleigh with Bicton Plan has been inspected by Mr McCurk and his 51 page report can be viewed here. The report has been reviewed by the NP Working Party. Most of the recommended changes are regarded as helpful, strengthen the Plan and will be incorporated without question. There are eight points where we wish to make changes to the Plan following the advice of the Examiner but where our proposed changes involve wording that is somewhat different to that recommended by the Examiner. Presently we are in discussions with EDDC about these eight points, so as to have a Plan that is acceptable to the Working Party (on behalf of the Parish Council), EDDC and the Examiner. When agreed, EDDC will publish the finalised Plan and the Parish community will then be asked to vote on whether or not to accept the Plan by way of a Referendum. Stan Roberts, Chair February 2017 |