Passing 'the Exam’
Published: 29 December 2024
An independent planning expert, called an Examiner, has to study a neighbourhood plan before it can be voted on by local people. It’s to make sure the plan conforms with the main policies in the district’s Local Plan and with national planning rules. The Examiner also checks that it has been drawn up properly, for instance that there has been sufficient consultation.
Broomfield’s draft Neighbourhood Plan has now been ‘examined’ by Andrew Ashcroft BA (Hons) MA, DMS, MRTPI. He has found that it does meet these requirements, with some changes of wording that he has recommended.
This means that the NP can now go on to the next stage – the local Referendum.
Examiners sometimes require fundamental changes, for instance whole policies to be removed. In our case, the modifications he’s recommended are aimed to make some policies more clear and easier for planning officers to apply in the future. None of the policies have been removed.
Mr Ashcroft has also praised particular aspects of the Plan. Here are a few of his comments:
‘The Plan is a good example of a neighbourhood plan ……It recognises the sensitive relationship of the parish with Chelmsford to the south ..’ (Executive Summary)
‘I am satisfied that the content and the form of the Plan is fit for purpose. It is distinctive and proportionate to the neighbourhood area. The wider community and BPC have spent time and energy in identifying the issues and objectives that they wish to be included in their Plan.’ (7.3)
‘The Plan is very well-organised and presented. It has been prepared with much attention to detail and local pride.’ (7.8).
He concludes:
‘... I recommend to Chelmsford City Council that subject to the incorporation of the modifications set out in this report that the Broomfield Neighbourhood Development Plan should proceed to referendum.’ (8.3)
We’re grateful to the Examiner for his constructive comments and modifications. These have all been incorporated into the text, ready for Broomfield voters to have the final say. The Referendum is expected to take place on 27th February 2025.
Read the Examiner’s Report in full