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NPIERS (Ann Skippers) introduce their Neighbourhood Planning Activity, as presented at a Planning Advisory Service (PAS) event.
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Top Tips for
Neighbourhood Plan Examinations
Ann Skippers
PAS Neighbourhood Planning Event, London
4 March 2014
Appointment
LPA appoints but with agreement of the QB
Source an examiner once pre-submission consultation stage has been reached
Give as much information as you can on the application form: are any specialist skills needed? What are the key issues in the Plan or Order? Site allocations?
Be realistic about timing, level of risk etc.
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Selection Names of three examiners will be put forward together with
their CV, photo and their response to your application. This will usually be sufficient information to enable you to make an appointment
Make sure the procurement process is clear and transparent
Do you wish to tender or interview? If interviewing consider telephone, video or Skype rather than face to face. Who will be involved?
Limit questions to the process of examination and the examiner’s skills and experience – it is important that the merits of the Plan are not discussed
Try and provide feedback to the unsuccessful candidates
Agree contractual arrangements4
Working with the examiner
Agree how the LPA, QB and examiner will work together
Useful to have one point of contact
The ‘big box’ of documents
How long will the examination take? Is there a deadline to meet?
How will you keep in touch? How often will you keep in touch?
Should there be a site visit?
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Preparing for a hearing
Who does what?
Notice period for the hearing
Venue
Timing
Duration
Invitations to participants
Issues to be discussed
Site visits?
Note or record of the hearing
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The hearing
Accessibility
Seating arrangements
Refreshments and facilities – WCs, parking, audio equipment etc.
Social media
Recording proceedings
Press
Note taking
Examiner in charge – house rules
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Dealing with representations
Send copies to the examiner
A summary sheet is a very helpful addition
Dealing with late reps
‘Ad hoc’ reps
Dealing with the public in general
Reps for or at the hearing
Fairness, openness and transparency
Issues to consider
How long will the examination take? A hearing will add time
Be realistic about timing and when to expect the report from the examiner
Bear in mind committee cycles and other internal procedures that will need to be followed once in receipt of the report
Does the QB have a date in mind? Has a referendum date already been suggested?
Do you want to allow a period for legal challenge?
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Bear in mind
Steep learning curve for everyone – including examiners
Consistency of approach desirable between plans in your area
Each examiner may have a different way of working
Liaise and keep in touch with the QB
Don’t underestimate time or resources needed to do it properly
Post examination press and publicity
Process does not stop at examination stage
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