Castle Point Plan - Draft Examination in public hearing programme published
A draft programme for the hearings which will form part of the examination in public of the Castle Point Plan has today been published.
The examination will take place over three days from 8 to 10 September, with Friday 11 September being held in reserve in case of overrun.
The Inspectors who are examining the Plan have identified residents, developers, landowners and interested parties, who they would like to hear from at the hearings. The publication of the draft programme allows for anyone else who feels they should participate to come forward.
Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, urged anyone who was expecting to be on the list but is not to come forward immediately.
He said: “Throughout the development of this plan we have engaged thoroughly with all parties – residents, business and developers.
“As a continuation of this engagement, and through the publication of this draft hearing programme, we are today making a last call to anyone who is expecting to speak at the hearing but is not listed to the contact the inspectorate via the Programme Officer and make this known.
“Although the decision as to who appears is that of the Inspector, the Council is keen for local people to attend, whether you support the plan or object.”
Anyone not listed who wishes to attend must contact the Programme Officer at afeeney@castlepoint.gov.uk as soon as possible. The Programme Officer will liaise with the Inspectors who will make the decision.
The Castle Point Plan is the core document which will act as a framework to inform planning decisions and guide development in the Borough up to 2043.
Following comprehensive consultation with residents it seeks to protect the amenities residents said they valued the most, including approximately 2,500 hectares of Green Belt, while making provision for the amount of housing development which meets local need. This housing figure is considerably lower than that which the Government is seeking to impose.
During the course of the examination inspectors will hear evidence on every aspect of the plan before ruling on whether they believe it to be sound. If it is found to be sound, then it will be adopted by the Council. Alternatively, inspectors could order amendments be made, including imposing a higher housing figure.