Independent examination

Information about how the examination process works.

Tasks

  1. Send plan, representations and supporting documents to examiner.
  2. Examination takes place (usually by written representation).
  3. Examiner issues a report to the Council and qualifying body.
  4. Publish examiners report.
  5. Considers report recommendations and makes changes to the plan.
  6. Decide whether to send the plan to referendum. 

Organisations or bodies involved

Qualifying body, the Council and examiner.

Support from the Council

Appoint and fund an examiner for the plan in discussion with the relevant qualifying body.

Produce a summary of representations from the submission consultation. These are to be sent to the examiner and qualifying body and placed on the website.

Communicate examination timetables and progress with the qualifying body.

Discuss the independent examiners report on the neighbourhood plan with the qualifying body.

Consider at Executive the examiners recommendations and make a decision as to whether to proceed to referendum.

Amend the plan in line with the examiners report in conjunction with the qualifying body.

Issue a decision statement setting out its reasons for accepting or otherwise the examiners modifications.