Tests of Soundness. A major emphasis of the new development plan system is on the production of a “sound” plan as tested at Independent Examination. The Welsh Assembly and the Planning Inspectorate have published guidance on what this means and the tests involved (see “A guide to the examination of Local Development Plans”, Planning Inspectorate Wales). A “sound” plan is one which is considered to have been prepared with “good judgement and is able to be trusted”. The LDP in both its policy content and the process of its production must pass the tests of “soundness”. Preparation of the LDP in accordance with the published DA is one of the tests of soundness. Fundamentally, a sound plan will be one which: has been prepared correctly in accordance with the statutory requirements; is founded on a robust and credible evidence base; has been developed with continuous community involvement; demonstrates policy integration; and contributes to the achievement of sustainable development.
Tests of Soundness. 2.7.1 The Joint LDP must pass the ‘soundness’ test. Preparing the Joint LDP in accordance with the published DA is one of the soundness tests. Crucially, a sound plan will be a plan that: has been properly prepared in accordance with statutory requirements; based on sound and credible evidence and has been developed with continuous contribution by the community; shows policy integration and contributes towards ensuring sustainable development.
Tests of Soundness. 1.9.1. The Planning and Compulsory Xxxxxxxx Xxx 0000 requires that a LDP is subject to an independent examination, to ensure that the Plan is ‘sound’. The Revised LDP will be submitted to the Welsh Government, who will appoint an independent Inspector to examine the Plan. The Inspector will determine whether the Plan has been produced in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements and whether it conforms to the Community Involvement Scheme.
Tests of Soundness. What are the Tests of Soundness? The tests have been developed by the Planning Inspectorate to check that LDPs are suitable and fit for purpose. There are 3 tests of soundness: Test 1 – Does the plan fit? Test 2 – Is the plan appropriate? Test 3 – Will the plan deliver? When are the Tests of Soundness used? During the Examination of the LDP an Independent Inspector will assess whether the Plan is sound and is consistent with the 3 Tests of Soundness set out below. It is the role of the Inspector to ensure that the evidence and assumptions on which the Council has based its policies and proposals are properly tested. What are the tests? Test 1: Does the plan fit? (i.e. is it clear that the LDP is consistent with other plans?) Does it have regard to national policy and Wales Spatial Plan? Does it have regard to well-being goals? Does it have regard to 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? (i.e. is the plan appropriate for the area in the light of the evidence?) It is 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? (i.e. is it 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? From: Local Development Plan Manual – Edition 2, August 2015 (Welsh Government)
Tests of Soundness. 1.16 ‘Soundness’ is an integral part of the LDP system and is an important principle by which it may be demonstrated as to whether the LDP shows good judgement and is able to be trusted. If the RLDP is found not to be sound then the Welsh Government could require the Council to take necessary action to remedy the situation. This may involve returning to the very early stages of plan preparation thereby causing considerable delay in the preparation of the plan.
Tests of Soundness. 1.4.1 The LDP must pass the “soundness” test, that is, IACC must ensure that the Plan is prepared correctly and meets the 3 soundness tests as laid out in the Development Plans Manual 3 (March 2020). These are: • whether the Plan is suitable? (Is the LDP clearly consistent with other plans?) • is the Plan appropriate? (Is the plan appropriate for the area considering the evidence?) • will the Plan Deliver? (Is the plan appropriate for the area considering the evidence?) An Inspector, appointed by Welsh Government/Planning and Environmental Decisions Wales (PEDW), will preside over the Plan’s Examination in Public to determine its soundness or otherwise. Further information in this regard is provided in Appendix 1 of this Agreement.
Tests of Soundness. 1.15 The Council will only place on deposit and subsequently submit for examination a replacement deposit LDP which it considers to be “sound”.
