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Vowchurch and District Group Parish Council
Vowchurch and District Group
Neighbourhood Development
Plan 2011 to 2031
Independent Examiner’s Report
By Ann Skippers MRTPI FRSA AoU
23 June 2017
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Contents"
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Summary!
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3!
1.0!
Introdu c tio n!!
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4!
2.0!
The!role!of!the!independent!examiner!
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4!
3.0!
Neighbourhood!plan!preparation!and!the!examination!process!
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6!
4.0!
Compliance!with!matters!other!than!the!basic!conditions!!
7!
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5.0!
The!basic!conditions!!
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8!
8"
9"
10"
10"
10"
11"
12"
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6.0!
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Detailed!comments!on!the!Plan!and!its!policies!
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7.0!
Conclusions!and!recommendations!!
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20!
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Appendix!1!List!of!key!documents!
Appendix!2!Request!for!further!information!and!questions!from!examiner!
to!the!Parish!Co un cil!and !HC!!
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Summary!
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"
I"have"been"appointed"as"the"independent"examiner"of"the"Vowchurch"and"District"
Group"Neighbourhood"Development"Plan."""
"
The"Plan"is"clearly"presented"and"well"organised"with"planning"policies"clearly"defined.""
Nine"policies"seek"to"preserve"or"enhance"the"many"environmental"attributes"of"this"
rural"Group"Parish"which"lies"in"Golden"Valley.""Whilst"no"site"allocations"are"made,"
housing"development"is"guided"to"the"settlements"of"Michaelchurch"Escley,"Vowchurch"
and"Lower"Maes-coed.""Smaller"homes"and"affordable"housing"are"promoted.""In"
addition"policies"supporting"the"economy"through"commercial"development"and"
tourism"are"included."""
"
Further"to"consideration"of"the"Plan"and"its"policies"I"have"recommended"a"number"of"
modifications"that"are"intended"to"ensure"that"the"basic"conditions"are"met"
satisfactorily"and"that"the"Plan"is"clear"enabling"it"to"provide"a"practical"framework"for"
decision-making"as"required"by"national"policy"and"guidance."""
"
Subject"to"those"modifications,"I"have"concluded"that"the"Plan"does"meet"the"basic"
conditions"and"all"the"other"requirements"I"am"obliged"to"examine.""I"am"therefore"
pleased"to"recommend"to"Herefordshire"Council"that"the"Vowchurch"and"District"Group"
Neighbourhood"Development"Plan"can"go"forward"to"a"referendum."
"
In"considering"whether"the"referendum"area"should"be"extended"beyond"the"
Neighbourhood"Plan"area"I"see"no"reason"to"alter"or"extend"this"area"for"the"purpose"of"
holding"a"referendum."
"
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"
Ann"Skippers"MRTPI"
Ann"Skippers"Planning"
23"June"2017"
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1.0 Introduction!!
!
"
This"is"the"report"of"the"independent"examiner"into"the"Vowchurch"and"District"Group"
Neighbourhood"Development"Plan"(the"Plan)."
"
The"Localism"Act"2011"provides"a"welcome"opportunity"for"communities"to"shape"the"
future"of"the"places"where"they"live"and"work"and"to"deliver"the"sustainable"
development"they"need.""One"way"of"achieving"this"is"through"the"production"of"a"
neighbourhood"plan."""
"
I"have"been"appointed"by"Herefordshire"Council"(HC)"with"the"agreement"of"Vowchurch"
and"District"Group"Parish"Council,"to"undertake"this"independent"examination.""I"have"
been"appointed"through"the"Neighbourhood"Planning"Independent"Examiner"Referral"
Service"(NPIERS)."
"""""
I"am"independent"of"the"qualifying"body"and"the"local"authority.""I"have"no"interest"in"
any"land"that"may"be"affected"by"the"Plan.""I"am"a"chartered"town"planner"with"over"
twenty-five"years"experience"in"planning"and"have"worked"in"the"public,"private"and"
academic"sectors"and"am"an"experienced"examiner"of"in"excess"of"30"neighbourhood"
plans.""I"therefore"have"the"appropriate"qualifications"and"experience"to"carry"out"this"
independent"examination."""
"
"
2.0 The!role!of!the!independent!examiner!
!
"
The"examiner"must"assess"whether"a"neighbourhood"plan"meets"the"basic"conditions"
and"other"matters"set"out"in"paragraph"8"of"Schedule"4B"of"the"Town"and"Country"
Planning"Act"1990"(as"amended)."
"
The"examiner"is"required"to"check
1
"whether"the"neighbourhood"plan:!
"
! Has"been"prepared"and"submitted"for"examination"by"a"qualifying"body"
! Has"been"prepared"for"an"area"that"has"been"properly"designated"for"such"plan"
preparation"
! Meets"the"requirements"to"i)"specify"the"period"to"which"it"has"effect;"ii)"not"
include"provision"about"excluded"development;"and"iii)"not"relate"to"more"than"
one"neighbourhood"area"and"that""
! Its"policies"relate"to"the"development"and"use"of"land"for"a"designated"
neighbourhood"area."
"
"
"
"
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1
"Set"out"in"sections"38A"and"38B"of"the"Planning"and"Compulsory"Purchase"Act"2004"as"amended"by"the"Localism"Act!
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The"basic"conditions
2
"are:"
!
! Having"regard"to"national"policies"and"advice"contained"in"guidance"issued"by"
the"Secretary"of"State,"it"is"appropriate"to"make"the"neighbourhood"plan!
! The"making"of"the"neighbourhood"plan"contributes"to"the"achievement"of"
sustainable"development!
! The"making"of"the"neighbourhood"plan"is"in"general"conformity"with"the"
strategic"policies"contained"in"the"development"plan"for"the"area"!
! The"making"of"the"neighbourhood"plan"does"not"breach,"and"is"otherwise"
compatible"with,"European"Union"(EU)"obligations!
! Prescribed"conditions"are"met"in"relation"to"the"neighbourhood"plan"and"
prescribed"matters"have"been"complied"with"in"connection"with"the"proposal"for"
the"neighbourhood"plan.!
"
Regulations"32"and"33"of"the"Neighbourhood"Planning"(General)"Regulations"2012"(as"
amended)"set"out"two"additional"basic"conditions"to"those"set"out"in"primary"legislation"
and"referred"to"in"the"paragraph"above.""Only"one"is"applicable"to"neighbourhood"plans"
and"is:""""
"
! The"making"of"the"neighbourhood"plan"is"not"likely"to"have"a"significant"effect"on"
a"European"site
3
"or"a"European"offshore"marine"site
4
"either"alone"or"in"
combination"with"other"plans"or"projects."
"
I"must"also"consider"whether"the"draft"neighbourhood"plan"is"compatible"with"
Convention"rights.
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"""
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The"examiner"must"then"make"one"of"the"following"recommendations:"
!
! The"neighbourhood"plan"can"proceed"to"a"referendum"on"the"basis"it"meets"all"
the"necessary"legal"requirements!
! The"neighbourhood"plan"can"proceed"to"a"referendum"subject"to"modifications"
or"
! The"neighbourhood"plan"should"not"proceed"to"a"referendum"on"the"basis"it"
does"not"meet"the"necessary"legal"requirements."
"
If"the"plan"can"proceed"to"a"referendum"with"or"without"modifications,"the"examiner"
must"also"consider"whether"the"referendum"area"should"be"extended"beyond"the"
neighbourhood"plan"area"to"which"it"relates."
"
If"the"plan"goes"forward"to"referendum"and"more"than"50%"of"those"voting"vote"in"
favour"of"the"plan"then"it"is"made"by"the"relevant"local"authority,"in"this"case"
Herefordshire"Council.""The"plan"then"becomes"part"of"the"‘development"plan’"for"the"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2
"Set"out"in"paragraph"8"(2)"of"Schedule"4B"of"the"Town"and"Country"Planning"Act"1990"(as"amended)"
3
"As"defined"in"the"Conservation"of"Habitats"and"Species"Regulations"2012"
4
"As"defined"in"the"Offshore"Marine"Conservation"(Natural"Habitats,"&c.)"Regulations"2007"
5
"The"combined"effect"of"the"Town"and"Country"Planning"Act"Schedule"4B"para"8(6)"and"para"10"(3)(b)"and"the"Human"
Rights"Act"1998"
!!!
6""
area"and"a"statutory"consideration"in"guiding"future"development"and"in"the"
determination"of"planning"applications"within"the"plan"area."
"
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3.0 Neighbourhood!plan!preparation!and!the!examination!process!
!
"
A"Consultation"Statement"has"been"submitted.""The"document"details"the"journey"from"
the"very"outset"of"deciding"whether"to"undertake"a"neighbourhood"plan"back"in"2013"to"
the"outcome"of"pre-submission"consultation."
"
Early"engagement"with"the"community"has"largely"been"achieved"through"two"public"
meetings"advertised"by"letter"to"all"households"across"the"five"parishes"and"in"
newsletters"and"by"posters"as"well"as"direct"contact"with"those"with"an"interest"in"the"
area"such"as"landowners.""At"the"public"meetings"in"Michaelchurch"Escley"and"
Vowchurch"attendees"were"encouraged"to"discuss"issues,"engage"and"write"comments.""
These"comments"have"been"collated"into"a"summary."
"
The"Steering"Group"then"developed"a"questionnaire"hand"delivered"to"households"in"
the"five"parishes"and"contact"made"with"those"with"an"interest"in"the"Autumn"of"2014.""
The"results"from"the"questionnaire"formed"the"basis"of"a"draft"Plan.""Although"public"
meetings"were"organised"to"discuss"the"emerging"Plan"and"its"themes,"these"were"not"
well"supported.""Work"continued"on"the"draft"Plan"during"Summer"2015"and"further"
meetings"were"arranged"to"discuss"the"draft"Plan"and"were"attended"by"small"numbers"
of"people.""The"draft"Plan"was"endorsed"by"the"Parish"Council"at"a"meeting"in"January"
2016."
"
Pre-submission"(Regulation"14)"consultation"took"place"between"22"March"–"2"May"
2016.""The"draft"Plan"was"available"to"view"on"the"Parish"Council"website"and"electronic"
and"paper"copies"were"available"on"request.""Advertisements"were"placed"in"local"
newsletters"during"the"consultation"period.""In"addition"various"bodies"were"consulted.""
The"Consultation"Statement"includes"a"summary"of"the"comments"received"and"the"
Parish"Council"response"to"them.""It"is"a"rather"basic"summary"and"I"would"have"liked"a"
little"more"‘flesh"on"the"bones’.""For"that"reason"I"asked"to"see"the"representations"
made"at"pre-submission"stage"just"for"completeness.""As"a"general"comment"I"would"
encourage"those"writing"Consultation"Statements"to"include"all"those"making"‘no"
comments’"as"well"as"those"making"more"substantive"comments"to"show"the"range"of"
response"to"the"consultation"and"for"a"little"more"detail"to"be"included"in"summaries.""
"
I"consider"that"the"consultation"and"engagement"carried"out"is"satisfactory."
"
Submission"(Regulation"16)"consultation"was"carried"out"between"4"January"–"15"
February"2017.""The"Regulation"16"stage"resulted"in"eight"representations"which"I"have"
considered"and"taken"into"account"in"preparing"my"report.""I"note"that"one"of"those"
representations"was"countersigned"by"14"residents"of"Vowchurch"and"I"have"counted"
responses"from"the"different"departments"of"HC,"rightly"or"wrongly,"as"one.""
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I"have"set"out"my"remit"earlier"in"this"report.""It"is"useful"to"bear"in"mind"that"the"
examiner’s"role"is"limited"to"testing"whether"or"not"the"submitted"neighbourhood"plan"
meets"the"basic"conditions"and"other"matters"set"out"in"paragraph"8"of"Schedule"4B"to"
the"Town"and"Country"Planning"Act"1990"(as"amended).
6
""PPG"confirms"that"the"
examiner"is"not"testing"the"soundness"of"a"neighbourhood"plan"or"examining"other"
material"considerations.
7
""Where"I"find"that"policies"do"meet"the"basic"conditions,"it"is"
not"necessary"for"me"to"consider"if"further"additions"or"amendments"are"required.""
"
PPG"explains
8
"the"general"rule"of"thumb"is"that"the"examination"will"take"the"form"of"
written"representations,
9
"but"there"are"two"circumstances"when"an"examiner"may"
consider"it"necessary"to"hold"a"hearing.""These"are"where"the"examiner"considers"that"it"
is"necessary"to"ensure"adequate"examination"of"an"issue"or"to"ensure"a"person"has"a"fair"
chance"to"put"a"case.""After"careful"consideration"of"all"the"documentation"and"
representations,"I"decided"that"neither"circumstance"applied"and"therefore"it"was"not"
necessary"to"hold"a"hearing.""
"
I"made"an"unaccompanied"site"visit"to"familiarise"myself"with"the"Plan"area"on"27"May"
2017.""
"
Where"I"recommend"modifications"in"this"report"they"appear"as"bullet"points"in"bold!
text.""Where"I"have"suggested"specific"changes"to"the"wording"of"the"policies"they"
appear"in"bold!italics."""
"
"
4.0 Compliance!with!matters!other!than!the!basic!conditions!
!
"
I"now"check"the"various"matters"set"out"in"section"2.0"of"this"report."
"
Qualifying!body!
!
The"Basic"Conditions"Statement"(BCS)"confirms"that"the"Vowchurch"and"District"Group"
Parish"Council"is"the"qualifying"body"able"to"lead"preparation"of"a"neighbourhood"plan.""
This"requirement"is"met."
"
Plan!area!
"
The"Plan"area"is"coterminous"with"the"Group"Parish"Council"administrative"boundary.""
HC"approved"the"designation"of"the"area"on"30"September"2013.""The"Plan"relates"to"
this"area"and"does"not"relate"to"more"than"one"neighbourhood"area"and"therefore"
complies"with"these"requirements.""The"Plan"area"is"shown"on"page"3"of"the"Plan.""It"
would"be"helpful"in"the"interests"of"clarity"to"add"a"sentence"that"confirms"the"parish"
areas"are"the"Plan"area."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6
"PPG"para"055"ref"id"41-055-20140306"
7
"@2$,(
8
"@2$,(para"056"ref"id"41-056-20140306"
9
"Schedule"4B"(9)"of"the"Town"and"Country"Planning"Act"1990"
!!!
8""
! Add!“and!the!Neighbourhood!Plan!area”!to!the!title!of!the!map!on!page!3!of!
the!Plan!
!
Plan!period!
"
The"BCS"indicates"that"the"Plan"covers"the"period"2011"–"2031"to"align"with"the"CS"so"
this"requirement"is"satisfactorily"met.""!
"
Excluded!development!
"
The"Plan"does"not"include"policies"that"relate"to"any"of"the"categories"of"excluded"
development"and"therefore"meets"this"requirement.""This"is"also"helpfully"confirmed"in"
the"BCS."
"
Development!and!use!of!land!
!
Policies"in"neighbourhood"plans"must"relate"to"the"development"and"use"of"land.""
Sometimes"neighbourhood"plans"contain"aspirational"policies"or"projects"that"signal"the"
community’s"priorities"for"the"future"of"their"local"area,"but"are"not"related"to"the"
development"and"use"of"land.""Should"I"consider"a"policy"or"proposal"to"fall"within"this"
category,"I"will"recommend"it"be"moved"to"a"clearly"differentiated"and"separate"section"
or"annex"of"the"Plan"or"contained"in"a"separate"document.""This"is"because"wider"
community"aspirations"than"those"relating"to"development"and"use"of"land"can"be"
included"in"a"neighbourhood"plan,"but"actions"dealing"with"non-land"use"matters"should"
be"clearly"identifiable.
10
""Subject"to"any"such"recommendations,"this"requirement"can"be"
satisfactorily"met."
"
"
5.0!The!basic!conditions!
!
"
Regard!to!national!policy!and!advice!
!
The"main"document"that"sets"out"national"planning"policy"is"the"National"Planning"Policy"
Framework"(NPPF)"published"in"2012.""In"particular"it"explains"that"the"application"of"the"
presumption"in"favour"of"sustainable"development"will"mean"that"neighbourhood"plans"
should"support"the"strategic"development"needs"set"out"in"Local"Plans,"plan"positively"
to"support"local"development,"shaping"and"directing"development"that"is"outside"the"
strategic"elements"of"the"Local"Plan"and"identify"opportunities"to"use"Neighbourhood"
Development"Orders"to"enable"developments"that"are"consistent"with"the"
neighbourhood"plan"to"proceed.
11
"
"
The"NPPF"also"makes"it"clear"that"neighbourhood"plans"should"be"aligned"with"the"
strategic"needs"and"priorities"of"the"wider"local"area.""In"other"words"neighbourhood"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10
"PPG"para"004"ref"id"41-004-20140306"
11
"NPPF"paras"14,"16"
!!!
9""
plans"must"be"in"general"conformity"with"the"strategic"policies"of"the"Local"Plan.""They"
cannot"promote"less"development"than"that"set"out"in"the"Local"Plan"or"undermine"its"
strategic"policies.
12
"
"
On"6"March"2014,"the"Government"published"a"suite"of"planning"guidance"referred"to"as"
Planning"Practice"Guidance"(PPG).""This"is"an"online"resource"available"at"
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/planning-practice-guidance.""The"planning"
guidance"contains"a"wealth"of"information"relating"to"neighbourhood"planning"and"I"
have"had"regard"to"it"in"preparing"this"report."""
"
The"NPPF"indicates"that"plans"should"provide"a"practical"framework"within"which"
decisions"on"planning"applications"can"be"made"with"a"high"degree"of"predictability"and"
efficiency.
13
"
"
PPG"indicates"that"a"policy"should"be"clear"and"unambiguous
14
"to"enable"a"decision"
maker"to"apply"it"consistently"and"with"confidence"when"determining"planning"
applications.""The"guidance"advises"that"policies"should"be"concise,"precise"and"
supported"by"appropriate"evidence,"reflecting"and"responding"to"both"the"context"and"
the"characteristics"of"the"area.
15
"
"
PPG"states"there"is"no"‘tick"box’"list"of"evidence"required,"but"proportionate,"robust"
evidence"should"support"the"choices"made"and"the"approach"taken.
16
"""It"continues"that"
the"evidence"should"be"drawn"upon"to"explain"succinctly"the"intention"and"rationale"of"
the"policies.
17
""
"
The"BCS"sets"out"where"the"Plan"has"responded"to"national"policy"and"guidance."
"
Contribute!to!the!achievement!of!sustainable!development!
"
A"qualifying"body"must"demonstrate"how"the"making"of"a"neighbourhood"plan"would"
contribute"to"the"achievement"of"sustainable"development.""The"NPPF"as"a"whole
18
"
constitutes"the"Government’s"view"of"what"sustainable"development"means"in"practice"
for"planning.""The"Framework"explains"that"there"are"three"dimensions"to"sustainable"
development:"economic,"social"and"environmental.
19
"""
!
!
!
!
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12
"NPPF"para"184"
13
"@2$,(para"17"
14
"PPG"para"041"ref"id"41-041-20140306"
15
"@2$,"
16
"@2$,(para"040"ref"id"41-040-20160211"
17
"@2$,(
18
"NPPF"para"6"which"indicates"paras"18"–"219"of"the"Framework"constitute"the"Government’s"view"of"what"
sustainable"development"means"in"practice"
19
"@2$,(para"7(
!!!
10""
General!conformity!with!the!strategic!policies!in!the!development!plan!!
"
The"development"plan"consists"of"the"Herefordshire"Local"Plan"Core"Strategy"2011"–"
2031"(CS)"which"was"adopted"on"16"October"2015"and"various"other"documents"
including"the"saved"policies"of"the"Unitary"Development"Plan"(UDP)"(found"in"Appendix"
1"of"the"CS).""I"have"taken"all"the"CS"policies"to"be"‘strategic’.""
"
The"BCS"contains"a"table"which"sets"out"the"relevant"CS"policy"numbers"with"a"short"
commentary."
"
European!Union!Obligations!
"
A"neighbourhood"plan"must"be"compatible"with"European"Union"(EU)"obligations,"as"
incorporated"into"United"Kingdom"law,"in"order"to"be"legally"compliant.""A"number"of"
EU"obligations"may"be"of"relevance"including"Directives"2001/42/EC"(Strategic"
Environmental"Assessment),"2011/92/EU"(Environmental"Impact"Assessment),"
92/43/EEC"(Habitats),"2009/147/EC"(Wild"Birds),"2008/98/EC"(Waste),"2008/50/EC"(Air"
Quality)"and"2000/60/EC"(Water)."
"
PPG"indicates"that"it"is"the"responsibility"of"local"planning"authorities"to"ensure"that"the"
Plan"is"compatible"with"EU"obligations"(including"obligations"under"the"Strategic"
Environmental"Assessment"Directive)"when"it"takes"the"decision"on"a)"whether"the"Plan"
should"proceed"to"referendum"and"b)"whether"or"not"to"make"the"Plan.
20
"""
"
Strategic!Environmental!Assessment!
"
Directive"2001/42/EC"on"the"assessment"of"the"effects"of"certain"plans"and"programmes"
on"the"environment"is"relevant.""Its"purpose"is"to"provide"a"high"level"of"protection"of"
the"environment"by"incorporating"environmental"considerations"into"the"process"of"
preparing"plans"and"programmes.""This"Directive"is"commonly"referred"to"as"the"
Strategic"Environment"Assessment"(SEA)"Directive.""The"Directive"is"transposed"into"UK"
law"through"the"Environmental"Assessment"of"Plans"and"Programmes"Regulations"2004"
(the"Regulations)."
"
An"Environmental"Report"(ER)"dated"December"2016"has"been"submitted"as"an"earlier"
screening"opinion"of"13"August"2013"concluded"that"a"SEA"would"be"required."""
"
The"ER"states"that"a"Scoping"Report"dated"November"2014"was"prepared"and"sent"to"
the"statutory"consultees"from"27"November"2016"–"8"January"2016.""I"suspected"a"
typing"error"in"relation"to"those"dates"and"HC"has"confirmed"that"the"dates"should"be"
2014"for"the"November"date"and"2015"for"the"January"date"and"sent"proof"that"the"
consultation"had"been"carried"out"on"the"corrected"dates.""Two"responses"were"
received"from"Natural"England"(NE)"and"Historic"England"(HE)."
"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
20
"PPG"para"031"ref"id"11-031-20150209"
!!!
11""
A"draft"ER"of"February"2016"underwent"a"period"of"consultation"from"22"March"–"2"May"
2016"alongside"the"pre-submission"version"of"the"Plan.""Only"NE"responded"noting"that"
the"ER"concludes"the"objectives"of"the"Plan"are"in"general"conformity"with"the"CS"and"
therefore"no"further"comments"are"made."
"
After"the"pre-submission"stage,"Policies"2,"5"and"7"of"the"Plan"were"revised"alongside"
the"settlement"boundary"for"Vowchurch"and"the"ER"revised"accordingly."
"
The"ER"was"published"for"consultation"alongside"the"submission"version"of"the"Plan"
between"4"January"–"15"February"2017"with"no"further"comments"on"it"received"from"
the"statutory"consultees."
"
HC"will"monitor"the"outcomes"from"the"Plan’s"policies"annually."
"
The"ER"is"a"comprehensive"document"that"deals"with"the"issues"appropriately"for"the"
content"and"level"of"detail"in"the"Plan.""This"is"in"line"with"PPG"advice"that"confirms"the"
SEA"does"not"have"to"be"done"in"any"more"detail"or"using"more"resources"than"is"
considered"to"be"appropriate"for"the"content"and"level"of"detail"in"the"Plan.
21
"""In"my"
view,"it"has"been"prepared"in"accordance"with"the"Regulations.""Therefore"EU"
obligations"in"respect"of"SEA"have"been"satisfied."
"
Habitats!Regulations!Assessment!
!
Directive"92/43/EEC"on"the"conservation"of"natural"habitats,"commonly"referred"to"as"
the"Habitats"Directive,"is"also"of"relevance"to"this"examination.""A"Habitats"Regulations"
Assessment"(HRA)"identifies"whether"a"plan"is"likely"to"have"a"significant"effect"on"a"
European"site,"either"alone"or"in"combination"with"other"plans"or"projects.
22
""The"
assessment"determines"whether"significant"effects"on"a"European"site"can"be"ruled"out"
on"the"basis"of"objective"information."
"
An"initial"screening"assessment"of"13"August"2013"found"that"no"further"assessment"
would"be"required"as"there"are"no"European"sites"within"or"in"close"proximity"to"the"
Plan"area."""
"
A"draft"HRA"was"consulted"upon"alongside"the"draft"Plan"at"pre-submission"stage.""A"
HRA"dated"February"2016"was"consulted"upon"alongside"the"Plan"at"submission"stage."
"
Regulation"32"of"the"Neighbourhood"Planning"(General)"Regulations"2012"(as"amended)"
sets"out"a"further"basic"condition"in"addition"to"those"set"out"in"primary"legislation"as"
detailed"in"section"2.0"of"this"report.""In"my"view,"requirements"relating"to"HRA"have"
been"met"and"the"Plan"complies"with"this"basic"condition."
!
!
!
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21
"PPG"para"030"ref"id"11-030-20150209"
22
"@2$,(para"047"ref"id"11-047-20150209"
!!!
12""
European!Convention!on!Human!Rights!(ECHR)"
"
The"BCS"contains"a"statement"on"human"rights.""There"is"nothing"in"the"Plan"that"leads"
me"to"conclude"there"is"any"breach"of"the"fundamental"rights"and"freedoms"guaranteed"
under"the"ECHR"or"that"the"Plan"is"otherwise"incompatible"with"it"or"does"not"comply"
with"the"Human"Rights"Act"1998."
"
"
6.0!Detailed!comments!on!the!Plan!and!its!policies!
!
"
In"this"section"I"consider"the"Plan"and"its"policies"against"the"basic"conditions."Where"
modifications"are"recommended"they"appear"in"bold!text.""As"a"reminder,"where"I"
suggest"specific"changes"to"the"wording"of"the"policies"or"new"wording"these"appear"in"
bold!italics."
"
The"Plan"is"very"well"presented"with"an"eye"catching"front"cover.""It"contains"nine"
policies"which"are"clearly"differentiated"from"supporting"text."""
"
"
Introduction!!
"
This"section"explains"that"the"Plan"applies"to"the"five"parishes"of"Michaelchurch"Escley,"
Newton,"St"Margaret’s,"Turnastone"and"Vowchurch."""
"
The"clearly"articulated"vision"for"the"Plan"area"is:"
"
“Looking"ahead"to"2031,"we"wish"to"preserve"the"beautiful"and"essentially"rural"
character"of"the"area,"whilst"accommodating"housing"developments"that"enable"
more"families"to"live"in"the"area,"including"within"existing"settlements.”"
"
The"vision"is"underpinned"by"three"objectives.""All"are"clearly"worded"and"relate"to"the"
development"and"use"of"land"covering"housing"needs,"the"design"of"new"development"
and"support"for"businesses"including"farming"and"local"services."
"
"
Background!
"
Setting"out"the"characteristics"of"the"five"parishes,"this"section"explains"that"together"
the"parishes"have"a"population"of"about"600.""Located"in"the"Golden"Valley,"renowned"
for"its"beauty,"all"are"rural"in"nature"with"dispersed"settlements"and"few"services.""
"
"
"
"
"
"
!!!
13""
The!Basis!for!the!Policies!in!this!Plan!
"
This"section"explains"that"a"number"of"informal"consultations"have"been"carried"out"
with"the"community.""A"survey"was"also"undertaken"in"2014.""The"Regulation"14"period"
of"consultation"was"held"in"2016."
"
The"strategy"for"the"rural"areas"in"the"CS
23
"is"positive"growth.""Overall"a"minimum"of"
5,300"new"dwellings"in"the"rural"areas"are"to"be"provided.""The"strategy"is"based"on"
seven"housing"market"areas"(HMA)"and"the"Parish"falls"within"the"Golden"Valley"HMA"
which"has"an"indicative"housing"growth"target"of"12%"according"to"CS"Policy"RA1.""The"
CS"explains"that"this"proportional"growth"target"in"CS"Policy"RA1"will"form"the"basis"for"
the"minimum"level"of"new"housing"to"be"accommodated"in"each"neighbourhood"plan"
across"the"County."
"
The"main"focus"for"development"is"within"or"adjacent"to"existing"settlements"listed"in"
two"figures,"4.14"and"4.15.""CS"Policy"RA2"translates"this"into"policy.""Michaelchurch"
Escley"and"Vowchurch"are"identified"in"Figure"4.14"as"settlements"which"will"be"the"
main"focus"of"proportionate"housing"development.""Lower"Maes-coed"is"identified"as"a"
settlement"where"proportionate"housing"is"appropriate"in"Figure"4.15.""In"the"
settlements"listed"in"Figure"4.15"the"CS"states"that"attention"should"be"paid"to"ensuring"
that"development"respects"the"scale,"form,"layout,"character"and"setting"of"the"
settlement.
24
""It"recognises"that"by"their"very"nature"these"settlements"do"not"
necessarily"have"a"village"centre"and"are"more"dispersed"in"nature."
"
The"CS"allows"those"parishes"which"have"more"than"one"settlement"listed"in"Figure"4.14"
and"4.15"of"the"CS,"as"this"Group"Parish"does,"to"have"flexibility"to"apportion"the"
housing"requirement"between"the"settlements"concerned."""
"
Focusing"on"settlement"boundaries,"this"section"explains"that"the"starting"point"for"
designating"boundaries"for"Michaelchurch"Escley"and"Vowchurch"was"the"historical"
ones.""It"is"clear"that"attention"has"been"paid"to"HC’s"“Neighbourhood"Planning"
Guidance"Note"20"Guide"to"settlement"boundaries”.""For"Vowchurch"there"is"a"single"
boundary"whilst"Michaelchurch"Escley"has"two"separate"boundaries.""Although"the"CS"
allows"for"a"boundary"to"be"drawn"up"for"Lower"Maes-coed,"the"Plan"explains"that"this"
is"not"considered"necessary"or"desirable"given"the"form"of"the"settlement.""
"
Turning"then"to"housing"and"businesses,"the"Plan"explains"that"the"survey"supported"
smaller"houses"and"that"this"is"also"consistent"with"HC’s"Local"Housing"Market"
Assessment"–"2012"Update"(November"2013).""The"footnote"on"page"9"of"the"Plan"refers"
to"the"title"of"this"document"incorrectly"and"this"should"be"remedied"in"the"interests"of"
accuracy."
"
The"survey"also"supports"the"provision"of"privately"owned"homes"as"well"as"affordable"
housing.""The"style"of"buildings"reflecting"existing"buildings"was"preferred.""The"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
23
"Core"Strategy"Section"4.8"
24
"@2$,(para"4.8.12"
!!!
14""
conversion"of"redundant"buildings"is"supported"together"with"the"development"of"small"
businesses."
"
! Correct!footnote!2!on!page!9!to!read:!“Herefordshire!Local!Housing!Market!
Assessment!–!2012!Update,!November!2013”!
Conclusion!!
"
Although"this"part"of"the"Plan"is"titled"“Conclusion”"it"contains"the"Plan’s"policies.""I"
found"this"title"a"little"strange"and"wonder"whether"this"section"could"or"should"be"
amalgamated"with"the"previous"section"or"retitled,"but"this"is"not"a"matter"for"me."
"
"
Policies!for!protecting!and!enhancing!the!local!environmental!
"
I"suspect"that"the"title"for"this"policy"is"meant"to"be"“environment’.""The"section"also"
covers"just"one"policy"and"so,"in"the"interests"of"clarity,"it"might"be"better"to"change"the"
title"of"this"subsection"to"“Protecting"and"enhancing"the"local"environment”."
"
! Change!the!subsection!heading!to!“Protecting!and!enhancing!the!local!
environment”!
"
"
Policy!1!!
!
"
Unlike"the"other"policies,"this"policy"does"not"include"a"title.""This"should"be"remedied"in"
the"interests"of"clarity"and"consistency."
"
The"policy"seeks"to"ensure"that"any"new"development"is"appropriate,"both"in"terms"of"
scale"and"design"and"that"important"features"such"as"trees"and"hedgerows"and"heritage"
assets"are"protected.""This"is"in"line"with"national"policy"and"guidance"and"CS"Policies"
SS6,"LD1,"LD2,"LD3,"LD4"and"SD1."
"
The"first"criterion"requires"all"new"development"to"enhance"the"natural"and"historic"
beauty"of"the"local"area.""This"is"a"high"bar;"for"every"development"including"small"scale"
developments"to"demonstrate"enhancement,"particularly"in"combination"with"the"other"
two"criteria"of"the"policy,"would"be"difficult"and"may,"unintentionally,"thwart"the"
achievement"of"sustainable"development.""To"help"ensure"that"sustainable"
development"can"be"achieved"and"delivered,"a"modification"is"recommended."
"
! Add!a!title!to!the!policy!which!reads!“Protection!and!enhancement!of!the!local!
environment”!
!
! Add!the!words!“preserves!or”!before!“enhances!the!natural!and!historic!
beauty…”!in!criterion!one!
!!!
15""
Policies!for!assessing!planning!applications!for!new!homes!
!
Policy!2!
!
"
Policy"2"permits"new"housing"within"the"settlement"boundaries"of"Michaelchurch"Escley"
and"Vowchurch"and"within"the"settlement"area"of"Lower"Maes-coed.""The"defined"
settlement"boundaries"for"Michaelchurch"Escley"and"Vowchurch"are"shown"on"maps"
found"earlier"in"the"Plan"and"it"would"be"useful"for"a"cross-reference"to"be"inserted"into"
the"policy"so"that"there"is"clarity."
"
The"appropriateness"of"the"settlement"boundaries"drawn"up"for"Michaelchurch"Escley"
and"Vowchurch"is"something"I"carefully"considered"at"my"site"visit"to"the"Plan"area."""
"
In"relation"to"Vowchurch,"I"note"there"is"opposition"to"the"boundary"as"proposed"in"the"
Plan"from"a"number"of"local"residents"and"I"spent"quite"some"time"considering"the"
points"made"in"the"representation"during"my"visit."""
"
The"proposed"boundary"is"drawn"around"where"built"development"is"focused"whilst"
allowing"for"some"scope"to"add"to"the"existing"building"groups"on"areas"that,"in"my"view,"
would"not"adversely"affect"the"existing"buildings"or"views"or"the"countryside"if"
sensitively"designed"or"on"areas"that"currently"contain"farm"or"farm"related"buildings.""
Therefore"I"consider"that"the"boundary"has"been"defined"logically"and"in"line"with"the"
HC’s"Neighbourhood"Planning"Guidance"Note"20"Guide"to"settlement"boundaries."
"
The"representation"also"raised"two"other"matters;"the"designation"of"a"Conservation"
Area"which"falls"outside"the"remit"of"this"Plan.""The"suitability"of"the"roads"for"further"
development"is"a"matter"which"can"be"considered"on"a"case-by-case"basis"at"planning"
application"stage.""Safety"improvements"to"the"crossroads"per"se"would"not"a"matter"for"
a"neighbourhood"plan."
"
With"regard"to"Michaelchurch"Escley,"two"areas"have"been"defined.""Both"reflect"the"
pattern"of"development"on"the"ground"which"essentially"is"a"group"of"dwellings"around"
a"junction.""Both"areas"are"defined"logically."
"
The"Plan"does"not"take"the"opportunity"given"by"the"CS"to"define"a"settlement"boundary"
for"Lower"Maes-coed.""Only"the"area"north"of"the"road"falls"within"the"Plan"area.""I"saw"
at"my"visit"that"this"is"a"very"scattered"settlement"with"fragmented"and"loose"
development.""There"is"no"particular"or"obvious"legibility"to"draw"a"boundary."""
"
I"therefore"consider"the"Plan"takes"an"appropriate"approach"in"relation"to"the"
settlements"selected"for"defined"settlement"boundaries"and"defines"the"boundaries"in"
an"appropriate"way."
"
The"policy"then"sets"out"four"criteria.""The"first"restricts"schemes"to"a"maximum"of"three"
homes"on"each"site.""This"will"help"to"preserve"local"distinctiveness"and"manage"
development."""
!!!
16""
The"second"criterion"restricts"development"to"“In-fill"on"land"around"or"between"
existing"buildings”.""Infill"has"a"particular"definition"in"planning"which"I"do"not"think"is"
reflected"in"its"usage"here"or"is"what"is"meant.""It"is"also"difficult"to"see"where"infill"sites"
in"the"commonly"used"definition"of"the"word"would"be"found"in"the"three"settlements.""
Therefore"to"ensure"clarity"and"to"provide"a"practical"framework"for"decision-making"
and"to"provide"sufficient"opportunities"within"the"three"settlements"for"development"
whilst"respecting"the"pattern"of"development"in"the"area"and"helping"to"ensure"new"
development"integrates"satisfactorily"with"existing"buildings,"a"modification"is"
recommended."
"
The"third"and"fourth"criteria"are"clear"and"will"help"to"retain"local"distinctiveness."
The"ER"makes"the"point"that"some"areas"of"Michaelchurch"Escley"and"Vowchurch"are"
subject"to"flooding"and"that"this"should"be"reflected"in"the"policy.""This"would"add"clarity"
to"the"Plan"and"help"to"ensure"sustainable"development"is"achieved.""A"simple"way"of"
incorporating"this"would"be"through"the"addition"of"a"new"criterion."""
"
An"earlier"section"in"the"Plan"indicates"that"about"28"new"homes"are"needed"to"enable"
the"Parish"to"achieve"proportional"growth"and"this"figure"is"accepted"by"HC.""The"
settlement"boundaries"and"this"policy"help"to"guide"where"that"development"might"be"
appropriately"located.""Whilst"I"accept"there"is"a"level"of"uncertainty,"and"that"this"policy"
could"result"in"quite"a"significant"amount"of"development"in"Lower"Maes-coed,"the"Plan"
guides"development"and"has,"in"my"view,"sufficient"safeguards"alongside"the"policies"in"
the"CS"to"resist"development"that"is"not"sustainable"whilst"supporting"the"growth"
needed.""The"policy"generally"conforms"to"CS"Policies"SS2,"RA1,"RA2"and"SD1."
"
! Add!the!words!“as!shown!on!pages!6!and!7!of!the!Plan!and!on!the!Policies!
Maps”!after!“…Michaelchurch!Escley!and!Vowchurch”!in!the!first!sentence!of!
the!policy!
!!
! Delete!the!words!“for!in-fill”!from!the!second!criterion!
!
! Add!a!new!fifth!criterion!that!reads:!“They!are!protected!from!the!risk!of!
flooding!and!will!not!result!in!increased!flooding!to!elsewhere.”!
"
"
Policy!3!
!
"
Similar"to"CS"Policy"RA3,"this"policy"addresses"development"in"the"countryside.""It"
essentially"mirrors"CS"Policy"RA3"and"arguably"there"is"no"need"to"include"it"in"the"Plan.""
However,"there"are"some"differences"including"a"more"flexible"approach"to"the"reuse"of"
rural"buildings"and"the"needs"of"travellers.""Therefore"subject"to"the"correction"of"a"
typo,"the"policy"takes"account"of"national"policy"and"guidance"in"relation"to"
development"in"the"countryside,"is"in"general"conformity"with"CS"Policy"RA3"and"will"
help"to"achieve"sustainable"development."
"
! Change!the!word!“designate”!in!criterion!six!to!“design”!
!!!
17""
Policy!4!!
!
"
Smaller"homes"are"supported"by"this"policy.""There"is"sufficient"flexibility"in"the"policy.""It"
reflects"the"wishes"of"the"community"and"the"available"evidence"base"at"HC"level.""It"will"
help"to"deliver"a"wider"choice"of"high"quality"homes"sought"by"the"NPPF
25
"and"CS"Policy"
H3.""It"is"clearly"worded.""It"meets"the"basic"conditions"and"no"modifications"are"
recommended."
"
"
Policy!5!!
!
"
The"NPPF"explains"that"good"design"is"indivisible"from"good"planning"and"is"a"key"aspect"
of"sustainable"development.
26
""This"policy"encourages"a"high"standard"of"design"
including"energy"efficiency"which"both"reflects"and"reinforces"local"distinctiveness.""The"
policy"is"clearly"worded,"it"takes"account"of"national"policy"and"guidance,"reflects"CS"
Policy"SD1"and"will"help"to"achieve"sustainable"development.""It"meets"the"basic"
conditions"and"no"modifications"are"recommended."
"
"
Policy!6!!
!
"
Affordable"housing"is"supported"by"this"policy.""It"does"not"differentiate"between"
locations"for"affordable"homes,"but"instead"favours"schemes"that"will"provide"for"local"
needs.""Given"the"characteristics"of"this"particular"rural"Plan"area,"this"flexibility"will"help"
to"deliver"the"affordable"housing"needed"and"the"rural"exception"sites"permitted"by"CS"
Policy"H2"whilst"other"policies"of"the"CS"and"the"Plan"will"help"to"ensure"that"such"
development"is"appropriately"located.""No"modifications"are"suggested"as"the"policy"
meets"the"basic"conditions."""
"
"
Policy!7!!
!
"
Policy"7"addresses"lighting"and"other"amenity"considerations.""The"justification"explains"
that"lighting"can"have"an"adverse"impact"on"neighbours,"the"environment"and"the"night"
sky"whilst"providing"benefits"such"as"reducing"the"risk"of"crime"and"improving"safety."
"
The"NPPF"seeks"to"limit"the"impact"of"light"pollution"on"intrinsically"dark"landscapes"and"
nature"conservation"as"well"as"local"amenity.
27
"""PPG"states"that"artificial"light"can"
provide"many"benefits,"but"is"not"always"necessary.""Light"pollution"can"be"harmful"or"a"
source"of"annoyance"to"people"and"wildlife,"undermine"enjoyment"of"the"countryside"or"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
25
"NPPF"para"50"
26
"@2$,"para"56"
27
"@2$,(para"125"
!!!
18""
detract"from"enjoyment"of"the"night"sky.
28
""It"continues"“the"best"use"of"artificial"light"is"
getting"the"right"light,"in"the"right"place"and"providing"light"at"the"right"time”.
29
""
"
The"second"element"of"the"policy"seeks"to"ensure"that"the"effect"on"the"occupiers"of"
neighbouring"properties"is"acceptable"and"that"new"occupiers"will"not"be"affected"by"
noise"or"nuisance."
"
The"thrust"of"the"policy"meets"the"basic"conditions.""However,"the"policy"sits"under"a"
sub"heading"of"“Policies"for"assessing"planning"applications"for"new"homes”.""I"think"the"
first"part"of"the"policy"regarding"lighting"applies"to"all"development,"not"just"housing.""
Arguably"it"is"also"development"other"than"housing"which"is"likely"to"have"more"of"an"
impact"in"this"respect.""My"view"is"reinforced"by"the"second"element"of"the"policy"which"
specifically"mentions"housing"development.""Therefore"to"ensure"that"the"policy"
provides"the"practical"framework"sought"by"the"NPPF,
30
"to"secure"one"of"the"NPPF’s
31
"
core"planning"principles"on"amenity"and"to"help"achieve"sustainable"development,"
modifications"are"recommended."""
"
! Split!Policy!7!into!two!separate!policies!!!
!
! One!policy!(to!be!numbered)!will!sit!under!the!sub!heading!title!“Policies!for!
other!developments”!and!will!read:!
!
“Any!planning!proposals!that!are!for!or!include!external!lighting!will!have!to!
demonstrate!that!there!has!been!a!proper!assessm e nt!of!the!need!for!such!
lighting.!!In!particular!it!should!be!demonstrated!that!care!has!been!taken!to!
design!appropriate!lighting!which!minimises!the!impact!on!the!occupiers!of!
nearby!properties!and!minimises!light!pollution!and!energy!consumption.”"
"
! The!second!new!policy!will!be!numbered!Policy!7!and!titled!“Amenity”!and!will!
read:!
!
“New!development!must!provide!a!good!standard!of!amenity!for!future!
occupants!and!have!an!acceptable!impact!on!the!amenity!of!the!occupiers!of!
existing!residential!properties.”!
"
"
Policies!for!other!developments(
"
Policy!8!!
!
"
One"of"the"core"planning"principles"in"the"NPPF"is"the"need"for"planning"to"proactively"
drive"and"support"sustainable"economic"development"and"this"is"a"theme"running"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
28
"PPG"para"001"ref"id"31-001-20140306"
29
"@2$,(
30
"NPPF"para"17"
31
"@2$,"para"17"
!!!
19""
through"national"policy.
32
"""On"the"face"of"it"this"policy"takes"account"of"this"by"offering"
support"for"small"businesses.""However,"the"policy"is"caveated"with"the"phrase"“where"
they"are"consistent"with"the"overall"objective"of"preserving"the"existing"rural"character"
of"the"area”.""I"think"in"practice"it"would"be"difficult"for"an"applicant"to"demonstrate"
compliance"with"this"short"policy."
"
The"justification"refers"to"CS"Policy"RA6"and"appears"to"quote"from"it"although"I"could"
not"find"that"wording"in"that"CS"policy.""A"modification"is"recommended"to"address"this."""
Nevertheless"it"explains"that"proposals"should"be"of"an"appropriate"scale,"accessible"and"
protects"and"respects"the"environment.""This"then"is"an"indicator"of"what"the"policy"
means.""Therefore"in"order"to"provide"the"practical"framework"sought"by"the"NPPF,
33
"a"
modification"to"the"policy"is"recommended"which"brings"the"thrust"of"the"supporting"
text"into"the"policy.""This"will"also"take"account"of"CS"Policies"SS5,"RA6"and"E1."
!
! Reword!Policy!8!to!read:!
!
“Proposals!for!small!businesses!in!the!five!parishes!will!be!supported!where!
the!rural!character!of!the!area!is!preserved.!!In!particular!this!means!that!
proposals!should!be!of!a!scale!appropriate!to!their!location!and!setting,!
suitably!accessed!by!a!choice!of!transport!modes!and!be!of!a!form!that!protects!
and!respects!the!environmental!and!landscape!quality!of!the!area!in!which!
they!are!located.”!
"
! Delete!the!words!“…which!supports!proposals!“where!they!are!of!an!
appropriate!scale!for!their!location,!accessible!by!a!choice!of!transport!m ode s!
and!of!a!form!which!protects!and!respects!the!environmental!and!landscape!
quality.”!from!the!justification!to!Policy!8!
"
"
Policy!9!!
!
"
Policy"9"supports"the"provision"of"new"tourism"facilities"“where"this"is"appropriate"and"
meets"current"planning"guidelines”.""Whilst"the"Plan"has"identified"tourism"as"a"sector"
worthy"of"support,"the"wording"of"the"policy"is"vague"and"does"not"provide"the"practical"
framework"for"decision"making"sought"by"the"NPPF.
34
""Similar"to"Policy"8,"the"
justification"provides"more"flesh"on"the"bones"and"it"is"suggested"that"this"is"used"as"a"
basis"for"ensuring"the"policy"meets"the"basic"conditions;"in"particular"the"provision"of"a"
practical"framework"and"the"NPPF’s"reference"to"sustainable"rural"tourism"which"
benefits"businesses,"communities"and"visitors,"but"which"also"respects"the"character"of"
the"countryside.
35
""This"will"also"reflect"CS"Policy"E4"which"supports"tourism.""The"
modification"is"shown"on"the"next"page."
"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
32
"NPPF"para"17,"sections"1"and"3"
33
"@2$,(para"17"
34
"@2$,(
35
"@2$,"para"28"
!!!
20""
! Reword!Policy!9!to!read:!
!
“The!development!of!new!tourism!facilities!will!be!supported!where!they!are!
appropriately!located!and!respect!the!environmental,!landscape!and!historic!
character!of!the!area!in!which!they!are!located.”!
"
! Delete!the!last!paragraph!of!the!justification!that!begins!“Any!developments…”!
"
"
7.0!Conclusions!and!recommendations!
!
"
I"am"satisfied"that"the"Vowchurch"and"District"Group"Neighbourhood"Development"
Plan,"subject"to"the"modifications"I"have"recommended,"meets"the"basic"conditions"and"
the"other"statutory"requirements"outlined"earlier"in"this"report."""
"
I"am"therefore"pleased"to"recommend"to"Herefordshire"Council"that,"subject"to"the"
modifications"proposed"in"this"report,"the"Vowchurch"and"District"Group"
Neighbourhood"Development"Plan"can"proceed"to"a"referendum."
"
Following"on"from"that,"I"am"required"to"consider"whether"the"referendum"area"should"
be"extended"beyond"the"Vowchurch"and"District"Group"Neighbourhood"Plan"area.""I"see"
no"reason"to"alter"or"extend"the"Plan"area"for"the"purpose"of"holding"a"referendum"and"
no"representations"have"been"made"that"would"lead"me"to"reach"a"different"conclusion."""
"
I"therefore"consider"that"the"Plan"should"proceed"to"a"referendum"based"on"the"
Vowchurch"and"District"Group"Neighbourhood"Plan"area"as"approved"by"Herefordshire"
Council"on"30"September"2013."
"
"
"
Ann Skippers"MRTPI"
Ann"Skippers"Planning"
23"June"2017"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
!!!
21""
Appendix!1!List!of!key!documents!specific!to!this!examination!
!
"
Vowchurch"and"District"Group"Parish"Council"Neighbourhood"Development"Plan"2011"to"
2031"
"
Basic"Conditions"Statement"September"2016"
"
Consultation"Statement"October"2016"
Environmental"Report"December"2016"
"
Habitats"Regulations"Assessment"February"2016"
"
Lower"Maes-coed"Policies"Map"
"
Michaelchurch"Escley"Policies"Map"
"
Vowchurch"Policies"Map"
"
Herefordshire"Core"Strategy"2011-2031"October"2015"and"Appendices"
"
Saved"Policies"of"the"Unitary"Development"Plan"2007"
"
Herefordshire"Local"Housing"Market"Assessment"–"2012"Update,"November"2013"
"
"
"
List!ends!
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
!!!
22""
Appendix!2!
Questions!of!clarification!to!HC!and!the!Parish!Council!
"
Vowchurch!and!District!Neighbourhood!Plan!Examination!
Questions!of!clarification!from!the!Examiner!to!the!Group!Parish!Council!and!HC!
"
Having"completed"my"initial"review"of"the"Neighbourhood"Plan"(the"Plan)"and"the"
evidence"submitted"in"support"of"it,"I"would"be"grateful"if"both"Councils"could"kindly"
assist"me"as"appropriate"in"answering"the"following"questions"which"either"relate"to"
matters"of"fact"or"are"areas"in"which"I"seek"clarification"or"further"information."
"
Please"ensure"that"your"answers"are"as"brief"as"possible"and"factual"in"nature.""Please"do"
not"send"or"direct"me"to"evidence"that"is"not"already"publicly"available."
"
1. The"Consultation"Statement"at"Appendix"3"has"a"useful"summary"of"the"
representations"received"at"pre-submission"(Regulation"14)"stage,"but"is"rather"
sparse"on"details.""For"the"sake"of"completeness"I"would"find"it"useful"to"have"sight"
of"these"representations.""Please"could"copies"of"all"the"pre-submission"
representations"be"provided"to"me"electronically"or"in"paper"format"whichever"is"
easier?"
"
This"will"also"allow"me"to"see"whether"there"were"any"responses"to"Strategic"
Environmental"Assessment"(SEA)"and"Habitats"Regulations"Assessment"at"this"stage."
"
2. The"Environmental"Report"at"submission"stage"(Regulations"15"and"16)"link"is"dated"
December"2016,"but"the"link"goes"to"an"Environmental"Report"dated"February"2016.""
Is"this"simply"a"minor"date"error"or"please"advise?""The"Environmental"Report"seems"
to"be"the"same"as"at"the"Regulation"14"stage?"
"
3. The"SEA"Scoping"Report"appears"to"have"been"consulted"on"between"27"November"
2016"and"8"January"2016;"is"this"a"minor"error"and"should"it"be"27"November"2014"–"
8"January"2015"or"please"advise."
"
It"may"be"the"case"that"on"receipt"of"your"anticipated"assistance"on"these"matters"that"I"
may"need"to"ask"for"further"clarification"or"that"further"queries"will"occur"as"the"
examination"progresses.""Please"note"that"this"list"of"clarification"questions"is"a"public"
document"and"that"your"answers"will"also"be"in"the"public"domain.""Both"my"questions"
and"your"responses"should"be"placed"on"the"Councils’"websites"as"appropriate."""
"
With"many"thanks."
"
Ann"Skippers""
13"June"2017"
"
