Inspectors Report of the Statement of Community Involvement (August 2005)

Introduction

1.1 An independent examination of the Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough County Council Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) has been carried out in accordance with section 20 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act. Following paragraph 3.10 of Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks, the examination has been based on the 9 tests set out (see Appendix A). The starting point for the assessment is that the SCI is sound. Accordingly changes are made in this binding report only where there is clear need in the light of tests in PPS12.

1.2 A total of 46 representations were received all of which have been considered.

Test 1

2.1 The Council has met the minimum requirements for consultation. Parish Councils in areas adjoining Shrewsbury & Atcham were not initially consulted. However this was corrected at a subsequent stage. There is no evidence before me that any of the Parish Councils in adjoining areas were prejudiced by this initial omission.

2.2 The test is therefore met.

Test 2

3.1 Paragraphs 2.15 to 2.17 explain clearly and succinctly the links between the Community Strategy, LDF and other strategies which will directly feed into the LDF such as the Transport Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan.

3.2 The test has been met.

Test 3

4.1 The SCI generally identifies which local and community groups will be consulted. The SCI lists "hard to reach" groups in paragraph 1.9 and representative bodies are listed in Appendix 3. These lists may be added to as appropriate. Paragraph 2.25 addresses 'target consultation' with a view to avoiding 'consultation overload'. The methods of consultation described in paragraphs 2.27 to 2.34 are sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. The Council express a commitment to reporting back to interested parties at "all subsequent stages" including Inspector's decisions. Appendix 3 should list the statutory bodies from PPS12 Annexe E. However adjoining Parish Councils are not mentioned here.

4.2 Recommendation

Adjoining Parish Councils should be added to Appendix 3 as statutory consultees.

Test 4

5.1 Paragraphs 2.4 and 2.5 state that the Council will involve the public in the DPD policy formulation stage through various consultation exercises. It is clear from the text that the Council has built in early consultation with stakeholders and interested parties, and also with the public who have the opportunity to comment on the Preferred Options Report arising out of the initial stakeholder consultation. Paragraphs 2.6 and 2.8 explain how the public will be involved in the latter stages of DPD preparation.

5.2 The test is met.

Test 5

6.1 The introductory text in paragraphs 1.7 to 1.9 identifies the range of consultation methods the Council will deploy. These include public meetings and the use of existing mechanisms such as the "People's Panel" and parish councils. Section 2 (Planning Policy) sets down the various DPDs. A text box at the end of each stage and type of DPD indicates the appropriate consultation methods that will be deployed.

6.2 The test is met.

Test 6

7.1 Paragraphs 2.37 to 2.39 sets out the personnel and financial resources that the Council has and will make available to ensure that the community are fully engaged with the preparation of the LDF.

7.2 The test is met.

Test 7

8.1 Section 2, paragraphs 2.4 and 2.5 explain how the views of stakeholders and organisations will help shape the issues and options stage of DPD preparation and how the subsequent representations by the public will be dealt with. These paragraphs also explain how the Council will produce summary reports of the representations and Council responses, which will be published on the Council's web site. Paragraphs 2.13 and 2.14 explain how the public representations will be taken into account in the preparation of SPD. Paragraphs 4.13 to 4.18 explain how the public's views are taken into account in the processing of planning applications.

8.2 The test is met.

Test 8

9.1 Paragraph 2.3 explains that the SCI will be subject to review within three years of being adopted and its performance will be monitored through the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). The AMR will determine the need for any review.

9.2 The test is met.

Test 9

10.1 The SCI clearly describes the Council's policy for consultation on planning applications. These are outlined in Section 4. The procedures in place meet the minimum requirements of the legislation and differentiate between types and scales of application with variation of procedure accordingly. The SCI does not deal with the question of how the results of consultation will be reported and how the results will be used to inform the decision making process.

10.2 Recommendation:

Add to Paragraph 4.13 "As regards the results of all consultations carried out during the processing of a planning application, these will be reported and taken into account in decisions made by, and on behalf of, the Council."

Council's Response to Representations

11.1 The Council has suggested a number of amendments following representations to the submission draft (August 2005). These amendments are set out in a document entitled "Responses of Borough Council to Representations Made" (December 2005) included as Appendix B of this report. These suggested amendments do not affect the substance of the SCI but they do improve the clarity and transparency of the submission SCI. I therefore recommend that they be included and I set out the recommendation below.

11.2 Recommendation: Insert the amendments set out in the document "Responses of Borough Council to Representations Made" (December 2005) in the Submission SCI (August 2005).

Conclusions

12.1 Subject to amendment in accordance with the above recommendations the Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council SCI (August 2005) is sound.

K Holland BA (Hons) Dip TP MRTPI ARICS

Inspector