Appendix A

Tests of Soundness

Examination of the soundness of the statement of community involvement

The purpose of the examination is to consider the soundness of the statement of community involvement. The presumption will be that the statement of community involvement is sound unless it is shown to be otherwise as a result of evidence considered at the examination. A hearing will only be necessary where one or more of those making representations wish to be heard (see Annex D). In assessing whether the statement of community involvement is sound, the inspector will determine whether the:

i. local planning authority has complied with the minimum requirements for consultation as set out in Regulations

ii. local planning authority's strategy for community involveme links with other community involvement initiatives e.g. the community strategy;

iii. statement identifies in general terms which local community groups and other bodies will be consulted;

iv. statement identifies how the community and other bodies can be involved in a timely and accessible manner;

v. methods of consultation to be employed are suitable for the intended audience and for the different stages in the preparation of local development documents;

vi. resources are available to manage community involvement effectively;

vii. statement shows how the results of community involvement will be fed into the preparation of development plan documents and supplementary planning documents;

viii. authority has mechanisms for reviewing the statement of community involvement; and

ix. statement clearly describes the planning authority's policy for consultation on planning applications.

From: Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks

¹ The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations, 2004.