Examination

The purpose of the examination is for the independent Planning Inspectors, appointed by Welsh Government, to assess the submitted plan and determine whether they consider the plan to be ‘sound’ in terms of national planning policy, and compliant with the relevant legislation.

What is meant by the term ‘sound’?

Legislation requires the LDP to be “sound”, and for this to be tested by an independent examination. There are 3 tests of soundness. Under each test there are a series of questions which will be considered:

Test 1: Does the plan fit? 

Test 1 assesses if the LDP is consistent with other plans.

• Does it have regard to national policy and WSP?
• Does it have regard to Well-being Goals?
• Does it regard the Welsh National Marine Plan?
• Is it consistent with regional plans, strategies and utility programmes?
• Is it compatible with the plans of neighbouring authorities?
• Does it reflect the Single Integrated Plan (SIP) or the National Park Management Plan (NPMP)?

Test 2: Is the plan appropriate?

Test 2 assesses if the plan is appropriate for the area considering the evidence.

• Is it locally specific?
• Does it address the key issues?
• Is it supported by robust, proportionate and credible evidence?
• Can the rationale behind plan policies be demonstrated?
• Does it seek to meet assessed needs and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development?
• Are the vision and the strategy positive and sufficiently aspirational?
• Have the ‘real’ alternatives been properly considered?
• Is it logical, reasonable and balanced?
• Is it coherent and consistent?
• Is it clear and focused?

Test 3: Will the plan deliver?

Test 3 assesses if it is likely to be effective.

• Will it be effective?
• Can it be implemented?
• Is there support from the relevant infrastructure providers both financially and in terms of meeting relevant timescales?
• Will development be viable?
• Can the sites allocated be delivered?
• Is the plan sufficiently flexible? Are there appropriate contingency provisions?
• Is it monitored effectively?

The examination process involves public hearings which are conducted by the Inspectors. Relevant respondents are invited to attend and give evidence on a range of matters, as specified by the Inspectors. After the hearings, the examination remains open until the Inspector has completed their report.

Find out more about how the examination is progressing.

The examination is a continuous process, running from the date of submission through to the receipt of the appointed Planning Inspectors Report. The duration of an examination depends on any soundness issues and the steps that are needed to resolve them.

Generally, the examination lasts around 11 months. Please be aware, this is an approximation only, as provided within the Local Development Plan examinations: procedure guidance.

We will keep participants updated as necessary and updates will be published online.