Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning and Development which related to the progress on the Headcorn Neighbourhood Plan Examination.

Members were reminded of the historical difficulties of the examination of Headcorn’s Neighbourhood Plan.  It was noted that due to the volume of consultation responses and the diversity of issues that gave concerns, the Examiner appointed to restart the halted examination, Mr Jeremy Edge, had determined that it would be beneficial to hold a hearing to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan, the issues and to allow a number of different parties to respond.

The hearing took place on 18^th October and was well attended by local residents.  The Examiner advised that he would need approximately three to four weeks to reach his conclusions on whether the Neighourhood Plan would be suitable to go to referendum as it was, or whether further modifications would be required. 

However, it was noted that given the significant changes suggested and agreed during the hearing, it was highly likely that a further round of consultation would need to take place before any referendum could be held.

In response to a question from a Member, the Project Manager advised that the Council would bear the costs of the Examiner.  However, the Council could apply for funding for a successfully completed referendum.

RESOLVED: That the progress with the examination of Headcorn Neighbourhood Plan be noted.