Top Tips for

Neighbourhood Plan Examinations

Ann SkippersPAS 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 arrangements

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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