1. PAS Neighbourhood Planning Workshop 2015

2.  background  neighbourhood planning is becoming well established – widespread engagement, court cases, ministerial decisions

3.  be realistic about QB capability  technical support – eg SEA/Habitats  understanding of policy context  expertise on policy wording (DM)  handling non land use issues  keep QB focussed on basic conditions  make sure QB tell the story of plan development including evidence used and decisions made

4.  try to resolve any LPA/QB differences before submission plan stage – examiners recommend modifications only to meet the basic conditions and convention rights  co-ordinate LPA and QB publicity/websites  encourage QB to work with all stakeholders including developers

5.  an examination where the questions are known - there are no surprises – what an examiner can consider is precisely defined  look at examination reports already issued and court cases  encourage full use of the basic conditions statement  consider an independent ‘health check’ review – usually undertaken in a few days

7.  independent desk-based review undertaken by a qualified and experienced examiner  most beneficial at pre-submission stage  identifies issues that may cause delay or rejection at examination  considers problems in meeting the basic conditions and other requirements  provides general advice on changes that need to be made

8.  no win no fee operators  is evidence local, proportionate and sufficient? (fairness includes affordability)  does SEA assess options?  is allocation selection justified?  are LGS designations evidenced?  use of reasoning and evidence informing an emerging Local Plan process  negotiation to narrow or eliminate issues

9.  source early so can drip-feed representations  LPA appointment – fully engage QB  highlight key issues and particular areas of expertise required - eg regeneration, rural, heritage  indicate timing of examination - assists checking examiner availability  be realistic about professional indemnity

11.  48 examiners on the Panel including chartered town planners, chartered surveyors, barristers  since the Panel was established 48 plans have been submitted for examination  45 (94%) have sourced independent examiners through NPIERS  auditable and transparent process

12.  NPIERS provide CV and suitability statement from 3 potential non-conflicted examiners  can request specific examiner be included on basis background, qualifications, experience, issues dealt with in previous reports  applications usually sufficient to appoint - if questions consider email or phone  interview rarely necessary - LPA and QB should be represented - deal with process, skills and experience - not plan merits

13.  LPA and examiner contract directly  agree invoicing arrangements  nominate a single LPA point of contact (some LPA’s have NP dedicated officer/s)  agree communication protocol  LPA provide complete documentation in format required  agree anticipated timeline

14.  manage expectations and reduce cost - issue guidance that representations should address the basic conditions and other tests  late representations and new evidence not normally considered  listing/summary of representations and clarification of development plan/strategic policies helpful  examiner will visit the plan area - normally unaccompanied - consider access

15.  examination by consideration of written representations is the general rule  if examiner decides a hearing is necessary examiner will identify topic(s) for consideration, parties to speak in addition to LPA and QB, take charge of proceedings. LPA role – notice, invitations, venue issues  examiner may request the LPA to note take

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17.  LPA project plan – involve electoral services - work from preferred referendum date - consider decision meeting cycles and delegated powers  examination will typically take 6 days work  complex representations, absence of an up to date Local Plan, or a hearing can each add a further 2 to 3 days  consider briefings and manage press and publicity

18.  Chris Collison  Planning and Management Ltd  collisonchris@aol.com collisonchris@aol.com  01773 853450  uk.linkedin.com/pub/chris-collison/14/289/6aa  Paul Taylor  NPIERS Product Manager  ptaylor@rics.org ptaylor@rics.org  02076 951735