Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan
Referendum
Dorset Council has agreed with the findings of the Examiner’s Report and the referendum will now take place on Thursday 28 September 2023. Documents relating to the referendum are listed below:
The information being made available is:
- a Summary of Representations submitted to the examiner
- the Examiner’s Report
- the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2032 (referendum version)
- the Decision Statement which includes a statement by the local planning authority that the plan as proposed meets the basic conditions
- the Information Statement which includes general information as to town and country planning including neighbourhood planning and the referendum
Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan
Neighbourhood Plan Examination
On 23 May 2023 the examiner wrote to Dorset Council and Chesil Bank Parish Council to issue his Examination Report.
An independent examiner Andrew Mead BSc (Hons) MRTPI MIQ has been appointed to examine the Chesil Bank Neighbourhood Plan.
The examiner wrote to Dorset Council and Chesil Bank Parish Council on 29 March 2023 to clarify several initial procedural matters and ask a number of questions. Chesil Bank Parish Council wrote back on the 10 April 2023 and Dorset Council responded on the 19 April 2023.
In response to question 3, correspondence from Natural England was forwarded to the Examiner on the 24 April 2023.
As part of his examination of the plan, the examiner has to consider whether the plan meets certain basic conditions and satisfies legal requirements.
The basic conditions are set out in the legislation, and are intended to ensure that neighbourhood plans fit within their wider context. The plan must:
- have regard to national planning policies and guidance
- contribute to achieving sustainable development
- be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan ie the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Adopted Local Plan
- be compatible with European Union law and human rights obligations
- not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
The examiner will provide a review of the plan and make recommendations in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act and related regulations.
If the neighbourhood plan is supported by a local referendum, it will be used to make decisions on planning applications.