Submission Draft Local Plan Regulation 19 Consultation
What is Regulation 19 consultation about?
This is your final opportunity to comment on the Submission Draft Braintree District Local Plan before we send it to central government for examination.
The Regulation 19 consultation requires comments to focus on the ‘legal compliance’ and ‘soundness’ of the Local Plan. This is the version of the plan that the Council considers to be ‘legally compliant’ and ‘sound’ and will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination.
This consultation is a chance for you to influence policy by commenting on the Local Plan’s legal compliance and soundness and to suggest any changes you think are needed. Your comments will be considered by the Council and the Planning Inspector once the Local Plan is submitted for examination.
What is different about Regulation 19 compared to other stages of consultation?
The main difference between the Regulation 19 consultation and the previous stage of consultation is the statutory requirements. Responses need to comment on whether the plan is sound or unsound based on the four tests of soundness as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Framework states the plan is sound if it meets the following four tests of soundness:
- Positively Prepared: The plan provides a strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs and is informed by agreements with other authorities, so that unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development.
- Justified: The plan contains an appropriate strategy, taking into account the reasonable alternatives, and is based on appropriate evidence.
- Effective: The plan is deliverable over the plan period and is based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters, as evidenced by the statement of common ground.
- Consistent with national policy: The Plan enables the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with national planning policy, where relevant.
How do I find the consultation documents?
The Submission Draft Local Plan and supporting documents are available to view electronically on the Braintree District Council planning portal.
How can I see a hard copy?
Hardcopy printouts are available during normal opening hours at Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Braintree, Essex CM7 1HB and Braintree district libraries.
If required, hardcopy printouts of specific sections or whole documents can be made available upon request.
Copies of consultation documents can be made available in alternative formats e.g. large print. To request this, email planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk
Can I comment anonymously?
We cannot accept anonymous comments, or anything marked as private or confidential. Comments will be attributed to individuals and organisations. If you submit comments, the consultation responses and your personal data will be passed to the Planning Inspectorate and a Programme Officer. The Programme Officer manages the procedural and administrative aspects of the examination. The Programme Officer will contact you using the personal information you have provided if you have indicated in the representation form that you wish to engage in the examination.
Can new sites be suggested during Regulation 19?
The primary purpose of Regulation 19 is not to seek additional sites but to consider whether the published Plan is legally compliant and sound.
However, respondents may explain why they believe alternative approaches or sites should have been included.
Will there be any opportunities to ask for further information?
Public drop-in events have been arranged across the district for people to view the consultation documents and speak to planning officers. These are being held at the following locations from 4pm-8pm and people can drop it at any time:
-
Tuesday 13 October - Coggeshall Village Hall - Main Hall
-
Wednesday 21 October - Halstead Queens Hall
-
Monday 26 October - Feering Community Centre
-
Wednesday 28 October - Kelvedon Institute - Main Hall
An online webinar will also be hosted on Tuesday 20 October from 6pm-7pm for anyone unable to attend in person. You can register to attend online including submitting questions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from planning officers, learn more about the consultation process, and find out how to submit a representation on the Submission Draft Local Plan.
The webinar will be recorded and shared on the Local Plan webpage after the session for anyone who is unable to attend.
How can I have my say?
You can send us your views on whether the plan is ‘sound’ in the following ways:
The easiest and quickest method is through our dedicated online consultation page. This will ensure your representations are accurately logged and easily submitted to the Inspector.
A web form on the Braintree District Council website is also available.
However, if you are unable to make your representation using the online consultation page, you can make your comments by downloading a PDF version of the Representation Form.
Paper response forms are also available at the District Council offices and local libraries during normal opening hours.
These forms can be emailed back to the council at planningpolicy@braintree.gov.uk or by post to: Planning Policy, Braintree District Council, Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9HB.
