Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is to provide clarity in terms of the examination process of a Local Plan. For FAQs in relation to the Local Plan itself, such as the purpose of a Local Plan, please refer to our What is a Local Plan? webpage.

What is a Local Plan Examination?

The purpose of a Local Plan examination is for an independent Planning Inspector(s), appointed by the Secretary of State, to assess the submitted Plan and determine whether they consider the Plan to be ‘sound’ in terms of national planning policy, and compliant with the relevant legislation.

The examination process involves public hearings which are conducted by the Inspector(s), with relevant respondents invited to attend to speak to give evidence on a range of matters, as specified by the Inspector(s). After the hearings, the examination remains open until the Inspector has competed their report.

For further information please refer to the Examination Overview page.

What information was Submitted to the Secretary of State?

Please refer to the Local Plan Submission Notice.

Where can I view the Regulation 19 representations?

Representations Made in Accordance with Regulation 20

The above spreadsheet provides the list of representations by respondent and by policies. Alternatively, you can consult the list of respondents which is available to view via a link on our Regulation 19 homepage.

The Council have also produced a Regulation 19 Summary of Representations, which should be read in conjunction with the Regulation 19 Summary of Representations Appendix 1.

What is meant by the terms 'sound' and 'legally compliant'?

Local Plans must be prepared in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF states that a Plan is ‘sound’ if it meets the following tests:

Positively prepared - providing a strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs; and is informed by agreements with other authorities, so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development;
Justified - an appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and based on proportionate evidence;
Effective - deliverable over the plan period, and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters that have been dealt with rather than deferred, as evidenced by the statement of common ground; and
Consistent with National Policy - enabling the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework and other statements of national planning policy, where relevant.

With regards to legal compliance; there are various legal requirements that the Council must comply with when preparing a Local Plan. These include:

Whether the process of community involvement for the Plan is in general accordance with the adopted Statement of Community Involvement (2020): https://www.horsham.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/statement-of-community-involvement
Whether the Plan complies with all other relevant requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (as amended) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, as amended.
Whether the Plan meets other legislative requirements such as the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (to which the Habitat Regulations Assessment relates).

How can I speak at the Examination hearings?

The right to appear and make your evidence heard by the Inspector(s) is usually restricted to those persons who made representations seeking a change to the Plan within the representation period of the Regulation 19 stage. If you are unsure whether you will be permitted to speak, please contact the Programme Officer for advice (see details under 'Who do I contact if I have any questions in relation to the Examination?'. Anyone has the right to attend the hearing sessions as an observer - it is helpful to inform the Programme Officer in advance if so.

At the hearings, the Inspector(s) considers all evidence submitted in formal representations, hearing statements and given verbally at the hearings themselves. Once the dates of the hearings have been confirmed, the Hearing Sessions webpage will provide the programme of hearings, agendas and hearing statements.

How long will the Examination take and when will the Inspector(s) issue their Report?

The examination of the Local Plan is a continuous process, running from the date of submission through to the receipt of the appointed Planning Inspector(s) Report. The duration of an examination is dependent on the nature of any soundness issues or legal compliance issues that arise and the steps that are needed to resolve them.

Generally, the examination timetable of a Local Plan containing both strategic and non-strategic policies tend to last around a year. Please do be aware that this is an approximation only, as provided within the Procedure Guide for Local Plan Examinations (link), and therefore the process make take longer, or indeed a shorter timescale. The Latest News section of the Examination webpages will be updated and participants kept updated as necessary.

Who do I contact if I have any questions in relation to the Examination?

Kerry Trueman has been appointed as the independent Programme Officer and will be assisted by Ian Bussey. The Programme Officer has the principal responsibility for procedural matters during the examination and all future correspondence with Local Plan respondents will be undertaken by Kerry, via the contact details below:

Kerry Trueman

Programme Officer Solutions Ltd

Address: Pendragon House, 1 Bertram Drive, Meols, Wirral, CH47 0LG

Email: programmeofficer@horsham.gov.uk

Tel: 07582 310364

The Programme Officer should be contacted with any queries in relation to the Local Plan examination. However, the Latest News webpage will be regularly updated with details of how the examination is progressing.

Is there any national guidance in relation to Local Plan examinations?

Local Plans: the examination process – Guidance in relation to the Local Plan examination process and the role the Planning Inspectorate plays.

Procedure Guide for Local Plan Examinations – Guide aimed at all those involved in the process and concerned with the procedural aspects of examining a Local Plan.

Local Plans: taking part in examinations – A short guide for those who might be participating in a Local Plan examination for the first time.