CONSULTATION RESPONSE FORM
Local Development Plans Process Review (Consultation)
Date 1st October 2014 – 2nd January 2015
Name ROBERT A ROBINSON FRICS AILCM
Organisation NORTH AND MID WALES ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Address TRIANGLE HOUSE
UNION STREET
WELSHPOOL SY21 7PG
E-mail address town.clerk@welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone 01938 553142
Type
Government Agency / Other Public Sector X
Q1 Front-loading / alternative sites
With the proposed greater front-loading of the process in terms of sites and a more defined and informative Preferred Strategy, do you agree that no-one would be disadvantaged by the elimination of the ‘alternative sites’ stage (Regulations 20&21)?
Agree
Q1 Further Comments
The more detailed information that is available that can be gained at an early stage will ensure that sites allocated will be deliverable.
Q2 Review report
Do you agree that the LPA should prepare and publish a Review Report to justify whether a full or partial plan revision is appropriate, and that this should form part of the package of required documents at pre-deposit, deposit and submission?
Agree
Q2 Further Comments
None
Q3 Short-form Revision Procedure
Where an authority is proposing to make partial revisions to an adopted LDP and the plan strategy remains sound, do you agree with the provision of the short-form revision procedure (quicker, shorter and more proportionate)?
Agree
Q3 Further Comments
Any procedure which makes the process more efficient is welcomed.
Q4 Soundness tests
Do you agree with the proposed package of soundness tests?
Agree
Q4 Further Comments
The tests of soundness must be practical and not based upon matters which are not easily understood. There is too many tests which have no sound based due to this.
Q5 Integrated approach
a. Do you agree that an integrated approach to incorporating sustainability appraisal (including strategic environmental appraisal) fully into LDP preparation will produce savings and reduce complexity?
b. Do you agree that this integration would not conflict with any statutory process?
Agree
Q5 Further Comments
The Association agrees with this.
Q6 Resources
In the LDP Regulations, do you agree with adding ‘resources’ as a matter to which regard must be had at Regulation 13, given that LDP strategies should be deliverable within the plan period?
Agree
Q6 Further Comments
This is sensible.
Q7 End date
In the LDP Regulations, do you agree with adding the end date of the LDP period (i.e. the end of the period for which the LDP is planning) to the LDP sub-title at Regulation 11(1)(b)?
Agree
Q7 Further Comments
None
Q8 Notice by local advertisement
In the LDP Regulations, do you agree with removing the requirement to give notice by local advertisement (e.g. at Reg22(5)(b); Reg23(1)(c); 24(2)(b); 25(2)(c); 26(b))?
Agree
Q8 Further Comments
All notices should be both in the form of newspapers as well as electronic.
The population of Mid and North Wales town comprises some 30% over teh age of 60 years. A lot of these people have an interest in local affairs and do not use the internet. Many surveys carried out by both electronic and paper means show less than 25% being returned online.
Q9 Consultees
Do you agree with the revised list of statutory consultees?
Agree
Q9 Further Comments
The responses from consultations with Town and Community Councils should be a material consideration.
Q10 Guidance package
Do you agree with the principle of having a succinct two-document guidance package that excludes the need for LDP Wales? (Please note that we will in due course be revising the public guide, Planning Your Community: A guide to Local Development Plans 2006, to reflect changes taken forward.)
Agree
Q10 Further Comments
Any actions which aid clarity or speed up the process are welcomed.
Q11 Errors
Are there any factual errors in the revised LDP documentation?
Agree
Q11 Further Comments
No comments to add.
Q12 Any other comments
We have asked a number of specific questions. If you have any related issues which we have not specifically addressed, please use this space to report them.
The Association represents approx 30 larger town and community councils in Mid and North Wales and this consultation was discussed at their meeting held on 24th October 2014.
25th October 2014
