The latest version of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan Review has been completed and submitted to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
The latest version of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan Review has been completed and submitted to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
An independent examination of the document will be held to enable the views of all stakeholders who have been involved up to now to be reviewed by a government-appointed Inspector before the Inspector decides whether to approve the plan for adoption.
The Borough Plan Review is a substantial document that sets out where development will be permitted around the Borough, addressing needs and opportunities relating to housing, the economy, community facilities such as shops and open space, and infrastructure such as roads, and what kind of development should take place in which locations.
The Planning Policy team at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has worked over the past two and a half years or so to produce a draft plan, hold public consultations, amend the plan, seek councillors’ approval and prepare the final version to go to the Secretary of State and Planning Inspectorate.
Portfolio holder for Planning and Development at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Cllr Richard Smith, said:
“I am delighted that we have now submitted our revised Borough Plan Review to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration, it’s a sound plan that provides the basis for sustainable Housing and Employment development across the Borough for the next 15 years.
“The revised plan significantly reduces the annual house building target, whilst providing ample employment land to create the jobs so vital to the local economy, as well as the infrastructure to support development, and all of this has been achieved by using no more of our precious green belt, protecting it for future generations.
“I would also like to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultation process up to now. I am proud of the work we have done here, and now we await the examination in public and the process of agreeing the final Borough Plan Review document.”
What happens next
The Borough Plan Review will now be subject to an independent examination to be conducted by the Planning Inspectorate. This process begins from the date of submission until receipt of the appointed Planning Inspector’s Report.
The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance about the examination process which may be of interest.
Once details of the examination process are confirmed they will be advertised online on the Council’s website. The Council has appointed Helen Wilson as Programme Officer to assist in the organisation and administration of the examination under the direction of the Inspector.
Helen will act as the communication channel between the Inspector, the Council and other participants. From this point onwards all correspondence regarding the Examination will be dealt with by Helen who will be contacting those who have requested to be involved in the examination hearings in due course.