NPPF PM15: Examining local plans and minerals and waste plans

PM15: Examining local plans and minerals and waste plans 1. Local plans and minerals and waste plans are subject to an independent examination by an inspector (or panel of inspectors) appointed by the Secretary of State. The purpose of the examination is to assess whether the plan is ‘sound’. A sound plan should satisfy the following tests: a. Positive – the plan sets out a positive approach to delivering growth to meet the development needs of the area in accordance with policy S1, and is based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters; b. Appropriate – the plan sets out an appropriate strategy to enable the delivery of sustainable development, taking into account reasonable alternatives, and is based on proportionate evidence; c. Effective – the plan sets out effective policies for development, and there is a reasonable prospect that its site allocations are capable of being deliverable at the time envisioned; d. Consistent with national policy – the plan accords with the policies for plan-making in this Framework and other statements of national planning policy where relevant, and does not include policies which duplicate, substantively restate or are inconsistent with the content of national policies for decision-making; and e. Conformity – the plan is in general conformity with any adopted spatial development strategy for the area21. 2. The tests of soundness should be applied in a proportionate way, taking into account the type and purpose of policy being considered. Conformity with an emerging spatial development strategy should also be taken into consideration. The extent to which conformity with an emerging strategy should be considered will depend on the stage of preparation of the emerging strategy and whether or not there is an existing strategy relating to the area. 17