New Local Plan (Regulation 22) – submission and examination
The final draft New Local Plan was submitted to the government on 18 November 2024. An independent Inspector will hold an examination into the soundness of the plan and the associated IIA and evidence. The examination hears evidence from anybody who wishes to make a submission on any of the key issues or questions highlighted by the Inspector. The Inspector considers all the evidence and representations made at each stage of the Local Plan consultation process. The Inspector can recommend adoption when the document satisfies certain legal requirements and can be considered ‘sound.’
A Local Plan is considered ‘sound’ if it is:
- positively prepared, meaning that the plan is prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed needs; and is informed by agreement 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, meaning that the plan is the most appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and is based on proportionate evidence
- effective, meaning that the plan is deliverable over its period (in this case 15 years), and is based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters
- consistent with national policy, meaning that the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the polices in the NPPF and other statements of national planning policy
The Secretary of State has not yet appointed Planning Inspectors to conduct the examination.
Ealing Council has appointed Paige Gaughan as the Programme Officer to manage the procedural and administrative aspects of the examination. She will act as the main channel of communication between the Inspector and all parties participating in the examination, including council officers and representors.
All correspondence or queries relating to the examination should be directed to the Programme Officer:
- email: GaughanP@ealing.gov.uk
- address - Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HL
- telephone - 020 8825 9562