Latest News – Draft Plan Strategy – Completion of Independent Examination
The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) have now completed their Independent Examination of the Council’s Draft Plan Strategy.
The purpose of this Independent Examination was to determine the soundness of the Draft Plan Strategy. It took account of all representations and counter-representations. Hearing sessions were conducted remotely, and available for public viewing, between 03 May and 29 June 2022. During these hearing sessions there was opportunity for eligible participants to voice their support and clarify any concerns regarding the Draft Plan Strategy.
At the end of the last hearing session, the PAC indicated that they expect to deliver the Commissioner’s Report to the Department for Infrastructure by January 2023. In this Report, the Commissioner will examine all the evidence relevant to the determination of the soundness of the Plan. The Report will culminate in an overall recommendation as to whether the Plan should be adopted, with or without modifications, or withdrawn. The Department will be required to consider the Commissioner’s recommendations but will not be obliged to accept them. Release of the Commissioner’s Report will be a matter for the Department.
For information regarding examination procedures and the Commissioner’s Report, the PAC has published guidance, ‘Procedures for Independent Examinations of Local Development Plans’. This guidance is available to view HERE on the PAC website.
Further updates on the progress of the Council’s Local Development Plan including the Draft Local Policies Plan will be provided here, in the Latest News. Alternatively, you can sign up to receive our Local Development Plan emails to keep up to date with the progress of the Plan and any upcoming events. If you would like to receive these emails, please send your details, including name, address and email address to planning@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk, or download and complete the ‘Community Involvement’ form HERE and forward it to the Planning Section via post or email (contact details can be found at the bottom of this page).