Top Tips for

Neighbourhood Plan Examinations

Ann Skippers

PAS Neighbourhood Planning Event, London

4 March 2014

Appointment

LPA appoints but with agreement of the QB

Source an examiner once pre-submission consultation stage has been reached

Give as much information as you can on the application form: are any specialist skills needed? What are the key issues in the Plan or Order? Site allocations?

Be realistic about timing, level of risk etc.

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Selection Names of three examiners will be put forward together with

their CV, photo and their response to your application. This will usually be sufficient information to enable you to make an appointment

Make sure the procurement process is clear and transparent

Do you wish to tender or interview? If interviewing consider telephone, video or Skype rather than face to face. Who will be involved?

Limit questions to the process of examination and the examiner’s skills and experience – it is important that the merits of the Plan are not discussed

Try and provide feedback to the unsuccessful candidates

Agree contractual arrangements4

Working with the examiner

Agree how the LPA, QB and examiner will work together

Useful to have one point of contact

The ‘big box’ of documents

How long will the examination take? Is there a deadline to meet?

How will you keep in touch? How often will you keep in touch?

Should there be a site visit?

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Preparing for a hearing

Who does what?

Notice period for the hearing

Venue

Timing

Duration

Invitations to participants

Issues to be discussed

Site visits?

Note or record of the hearing

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The hearing

Accessibility

Seating arrangements

Refreshments and facilities – WCs, parking, audio equipment etc.

Social media

Recording proceedings

Press

Note taking

Examiner in charge – house rules

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Dealing with representations

Send copies to the examiner

A summary sheet is a very helpful addition

Dealing with late reps

‘Ad hoc’ reps

Dealing with the public in general

Reps for or at the hearing

Fairness, openness and transparency

Issues to consider

How long will the examination take? A hearing will add time

Be realistic about timing and when to expect the report from the examiner

Bear in mind committee cycles and other internal procedures that will need to be followed once in receipt of the report

Does the QB have a date in mind? Has a referendum date already been suggested?

Do you want to allow a period for legal challenge?

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Bear in mind

Steep learning curve for everyone – including examiners

Consistency of approach desirable between plans in your area

Each examiner may have a different way of working

Liaise and keep in touch with the QB

Don’t underestimate time or resources needed to do it properly

Post examination press and publicity

Process does not stop at examination stage

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Contact

E ann@annskippers.co.uk

W www.annskippers.co.uk