The draft Neighbourhood Plan Proposal has been submitted to the Local Planning Authority. A Neighbourhood Planning Officer will carry out a number of checks. This is to establish whether the plan is technically compliant. These checks involve a brief test against:
- the basic conditions
- the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations
After the check, the Planning Portfolio Holder authorises the consultation process.
A six week statutory consultation begins on the plan and supporting documents. The information is published on the Council’s website. Hard copies are made available to view during the consultation period in:
- the nearest Information Service
- the nearest library
- local facilities in the Neighbourhood Plan Area
The Neighbourhood Planning Team applies to the Neighbourhood Planning Independent Examiner Referral Service (NPIERS). The NPIERS appoints an examiner for the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). The NPIERS gives the Council a shortlist of three independent examiners. The Council then liaises with the Town or Parish Council. This is to agree which examiner will undertake the Examination of the NDP.
The six week statutory consultation ends. The Council sends the following documents to the examiner:
- the Neighbourhood Planning documents
- the consultation responses
The examiner will then begin the examination process. The timescale for the examination process varies depending on each individual Neighbourhood Plan. The Examiner may consider that some of the issues raised warrant an informal hearing. If so, the process will take longer. During the Examination, Cornwall Council:
- liaises with the appointed independent examiner
- keeps the town or parish council informed during the process
The Examiner produces a draft examination report. This is submitted to Cornwall Council to fact check liaising with the town or parish council. The document is then finalised and can be published. Then Cornwall Council make any necessary changes to the plan proposal as set out by the Examiner. Any changes are made in consultation with the town or parish council. The plan is then signed off by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and can proceed to Referendum.
Current Neighbourhood Plan Examinations
45 examinations have been held.