2.  LPA specialist input to plan production eg SEA expertise, development management team review of policies – can make a big difference in ensuring basic conditions and other requirements are met at examination  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

3.  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  consider an independent ‘health check’ review – usually undertaken in a few days

5.  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

6.  begin sourcing after pre-submission consultation  LPA appointment - but QB consent required  if using NPIERS the LPA/QB should complete the request form together  highlight key issues and particular areas of expertise required - eg regeneration, rural, heritage  indicate timing of examination - assists checking examiner availability  be realistic about risk/professional indemnity

7.  applications usually sufficient to appoint - NPIERS provide CV, photo, and suitability statement from 3 potential examiners  if questions - consider email or phone  if interview essential - LPA and QB should be represented- deal with process, skills and experience -not the merits of the plan  try to feedback to unsuccessful candidates

8.  LPA and examiner contract directly  agree invoicing arrangements  nominate a single LPA point of contact  agree means of communication  LPA provide complete documentation – agree format  agree anticipated timeline  examiner will visit the area - normally unaccompanied - consider access

9.  examination by consideration of written representations is the general rule  LPA should issue guidance - representations to address the basic conditions and other tests  late representations not normally considered  LPA listing of representations helpful to the examiner

10.  if examiner decides a hearing is necessary LPA and examiner must agree roles  examiner role - identify topic(s) for consideration, parties to speak in addition to LPA and QB, take charge of proceedings including recording, social media rules  LPA role - notice, venue, invitations, also consider accessibility, parking, toilets, refreshments, PA equipment  examiner may request the LPA to note take

12.  LPA project plan – involve electoral services - work from preferred referendum date - consider decision meeting cycles and delegated powers  examination will typically take up to 6 days  absence of an up to date Local Plan tends to add 2 to 3 days  if a hearing is necessary it will add a further 2 to 3 days  briefings and manage press and publicity

13.  Chris Collison  Planning and Management Ltd  collisonchris@aol.com collisonchris@aol.com  01773 853450  Paul Taylor  NPIERS Product Manager  ptaylor@rics.org ptaylor@rics.org  02076 951735