south wiltshire core strategy - preferred options - soundness testing and statutory requirements

8/3/2019 South Wiltshire Core Strategy - Preferred Options - Soundness Testing and Statutory Requirements

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Soundness testingand statutoryrequirements

Core Strategy Preferred Options

February 2008

SALISBURY DISTRICT

LDFCreating Sustainable

Communities


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Soundness testing and statutory requirements Core Strategy Preferred Options stage

1. Introduction

1.1 Under the new planning system Local Development Framework (LDF) development plandocuments (DPDs) will be considered at Public Examination. The inspector will consider whether

the LDF satisfies the requirements of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and theTown and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 relating to thepreparation of DPDs in terms of procedure and whether they are sound.

1.2 Planning Policy Statement 12: Creating Local Development Frameworks (PPS 12) states thatLocal planning authorities should ensure that development plan documents are sound whensubmitted for examination (paragraph 4.15). The soundness of each document is assessedaccording to nine tests of soundness as set out in PPS 12 and guidance documents produced bythe Planning Inspectorate Development Plan Examination a guide to the process of assessingthe soundness of Development Plan documents (2005) and the Planning Advisory Service LDFsoundness self assessment toolkit (2006). Local planning authorities (LPAs) may find it useful tocarry out an objective self assessment process having regard to the tests in PPS 12 to satisfythemselves that they have produced a sound DPD. Where they do this, their assessment can be

used as part of their evidence for the Public Examination.

1.3 The soundness toolkit provides a framework to assist LPAs to draw up an appropriate selfassessment statement. It is in two parts, the first provides guidance to assist in the preparation ofDPDs, and the second provides the basis for the self assessment assessment. The soundnesstoolkit has been used as the template for Salisbury District Council Soundness Self AssessmentStatement for the LDF Core Strategy Preferred Options.

1.4 Although not formally required at the Core Strategy Preferred Options stage, the localplanning authority consider this stage in the production of the Core Strategy presents a goodopportunity to assess the soundness of the emerging document and once the final submissiondocument has been produced, the soundness of the document will be reassessed. Assessing thesoundness of the document at this stage also represents good practice and will provide theevidence base to inform the public Examination. Once the final submission document has beenproduced this document will be updated to assess the soundness and procedural requirements inat all stages in the production of the Core Strategy.

1.5 The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has issued guidance called Development PlansExamination A guide to the process of assessing the soundness of development plandocuments (2005), which sets out how the inspector will manage the examination to assesswhether the authority has complied with all the statutory requirements. While some statutoryrequirements are covered by the first five tests of soundness, many are not. Proof thatrequirements have been met will therefore need to be included in the self-assessment statement.

1.6 As stated above the Local Development Framework documents are subject to a number oftests of soundness and these tests are set out below (Figure 1). Related to the soundness ofdocuments, guidance in PPS 12 states that the policies in development plan documents will be

tested thoroughly during the independent examination of the development plan document.Section 20 of the Act sets out the purpose of the independent examination of a development plandocument, which is to determine whether (i) it satisfies the statutory requirements for thepreparation of the plan as set out in Section 19 of the Act and it is in general conformity with theregional spatial strategy; and (ii) it is sound. The presumption will be that the development plandocument is sound unless it is shown to be otherwise as a result of evidence considered at theexamination. The criteria for assessing whether a development plan document is sound will applyindividually and collectively to policies in the development plan document. Furthermore theguidance states that where the development plan document relates to housing, local planning


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authorities should produce housing trajectories, which will demonstrate how the plan will deliverthe policies relating to housing provision. This will be important in clarifying the deliverymechanisms of the development plan document, which will be part of the test of whether it issound.

Procedural1

2

3

It has been prepared in accordance with the local development scheme

It has been prepared in compliance with the statement of community involvement, orwith the minimum requirements set out in the Regulations where no statement ofcommunity involvement exists

The plan and its policies have been subjected to sustainability appraisalConformity

4

5

It is a spatial plan which is consistent with national planning policy and in generalconformity with the regional spatial strategy for the region and it has properly had regardto any other relevant plans, policies and strategies relating to the area or to adjoiningareas

It has had regard to the authoritys community strategy

Coherence, consistency and effectiveness6

7

8

9

The strategies/policies/allocations in the plan are coherent and consistent within andbetween development plan documents prepared by the authority and by neighbouringauthorities, where cross boundary issues are relevant

The strategies/policies/allocations represent the most appropriate in all thecircumstances, having considered the relevant alternatives, and they are founded on arobust and credible evidence base

There are clear mechanisms for implementation and monitoring

The plan is reasonably flexible to enable it to deal with changing circumstances

Figure 1: Tests of soundness (PPS 12)

1.7 In relation to the definition of soundness, the act does not provide a statutory definition. ThePINS guide advises that sound will have to be considered as having its ordinary meanings ofshowing good judgement and able to be trusted and in the context of fulfilling the expectationsof legislation. The Inspector will consider all the evidence provided in making a judgement aboutthe soundness of the DPD, including each of the documents required to be prepared by theauthority.

2 Statutory requirements

2.1 This section sets out how the council has complied with formal procedural requirements of

producing the Core Strategy. It is organised by each stage of the Core Strategy up until thecurrent state of Preferred Options and will be updated when the Submission Draft is produced. Itidentifies the activities that are required at each stage as set out in the Planning Advisory ServiceLDF Soundness Self Assessment Toolkit.


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Stage 1 Pre production

Activity Statutory

Requirement

Comment

Is the DPD identifiedin the LPAsadopted localdevelopmentscheme?

The Act s19(1) The Core Strategy was identified in the first LDSunder which work for the Core Strategy Issuesand Options commenced. Due to teamreorganisation a revised LDS was produced inJune 2007. This LDS extended the timetable forthe production of the Core Strategy and currentwork is now in accordance with this.

Evidence: Salisbury District Council LocalDevelopment Scheme (June 2007):http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/ldf-full-lds.pdf

Have you recordedthe commencementof the DPD?

Pre production was undertaken in early 2007 andpre-consultation was carried out with keystakeholders as the same time as outlined in the

LDS (page 22 - 24). The LDS sets out clearproject plans/timetables (page 24) showing keyevents, which enable the progress of the LDF tobe assessed in the Annual Monitoring Report.

Have any details setout in the LDS suchas the role, rationaleor scope of the DPDbeen met?

The Act s19(1) Pages 9 11 of the LDS set out an explanationof each local development document and providedetails of the role of the Core Strategy. The LocalDevelopment Document profile on page 22 alsosets out the role of the Core Strategy and thesehave been met in the Core Strategy stagesproduced so far.

Is baselineinformation beingcollected andevidence beinggathered to set theframework for theSA?

The Act s19(5) The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report(June 2007) sets out the stages involved in theproduction of the Sustainability Appraisal andsets out the baseline information, which hasbeen collected (page 9). It sets out a number ofobjectives which options in the Core Strategywould be assessed against to determine itssustainability (section 6).

Evidence:

Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (June2007): http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/sustainability-

appraisal-final.pdf

Topic Papers and evidence base:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/planning/forward-planning/local-development-framework/core-strategy/ourplace/ourplace-evidence.htm

Are you collectinginformation on theconservation

Conservation (NaturalHabitats &c)(Amendment)(England

The Appropriate Assessment of the CoreStrategy contains this information.


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objectives of anyEuropean wildlife(Natura 2000) sites?

and Wales)Regulations 2006[forthcoming]

Evidence: Biodiversity Topic paper:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/topic5-biodiversity.pdf

Have you consultedthe four statutoryenvironment

consultation bodiesfor five weeks on thescope and level ofdetail of theenvironmentalinformation to beincluded in the SAReport?

Regulations 9 and 13of The EnvironmentalAssessment of Plans

and ProgrammesRegulations 2004specify theconsultationprocedures for plansrequiring SEA.

The draft Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Reportwas consulted upon for a period of 6 weeks from10 February 2006 to 31 March 2006. Copies

were sent to the 4 statutory consultees; TheEnvironment Agency, English Heritage, TheCountryside Agency and English Nature (thelatter two now form Natural England). All personson the LDF consultation database were alsonotified together with local councillors and parishcouncils. The draft report was also taken to thecouncils Planning and Economic Scrutiny paneland Cabinet. Comments were responded to bythe council and amendments were made to thedocument.

Evidence:

Draft Sustainability Scoping Report:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/draft-sustainability-appraisal-scoping-report.pdf

Summary of comments received with councilsresponse and amendments made:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/sustainability-appraisal-consultation.pdf

Stage 2 Issues and Options (Regulation 25 consultation)

Activity StatutoryRequirement

Comment

Have the specificconsultation bodiesbeen consulted orare there any of thesebodies which, becauseof the nature of thisDPD, do not need tobe consulted at thisstage?

Regulation25(1)(a)

[SpecificConsultationBodies are definedin Regulation 1]

All specific consultation bodies have beenconsulted. These are listed in the Statement ofCommunity Involvement (SCI) appendix A

Evidence:

Statement of Community Involvement (December2006): http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/adopted-sci-dec2006.pdf

Our Place in the Future Consultation Methodology

and Output reportHave the generalconsultation bodiesbeen identified andconsulted - and arethose bodiesconsulted consistentwith the approach setout in the adopted

Regulation25(1)(b)

[GeneralConsultationBodies are definedin Regulation 1]

General consultation bodies have been consultedin accordance with the approach set out in theSCI. These are listed in appendix A of the SCI.

Evidence:

Statement of Community Involvement (December2006): http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/adopted-sci-


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Comment

SCI? dec2006.pdf

Our Place in the Future Consultation Methodologyand Output report

Does the consultationcontribute to thedevelopment andsustainability appraisalof the options?

The Act s19(5) Consultation on the Issues and Options Reportand Issues and Options Interim SustainabilityAppraisal was carried out between July andOctober 2006. The interim Sustainability Appraisalset out a range of options and tested these againstthe Sustainability Appraisal objectives. Theconsultation methodology is currently beingproduced ad summaries the representations madeand the councils response to these.

Evidence:

Our Place in the future Core Strategy Issues and

Options consultation report:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/our-place-consultation-doc-2.pdf andhttp://www.salisbury.gov.uk/our-place-questionnaire.pdf

Interim Sustainability Report:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/ourplace-interim-sustainability.pdf

Topic Papers and evidence base:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/planning/forward-

planning/local-development-framework/core-strategy/ourplace/ourplace-evidence.htm

Are you keeping arecord of the bodiesbeing consulted; howthey are beingconsulted, and themain issues they haveraised?

Regulation28(1)(c)

The Consultation methodology and output report iscurrently being produced and sets out whichbodies were consulted and how this wasundertaken, which was in accordance with thecouncils SCI. This report alongside the addendumtopic papers responds to the consultationresponses and other evidence gathered during theconsultation in order to inform the preferredoptions. Records of all representations that havebeen made are kept both on file and electronicallyon a councils tailor-made database.

Evidence:

Salisbury and South Wiltshire: Our Place in thefuture consultation methodology and output report.

Topic Papers and evidence base:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/planning/forward-planning/local-development-framework/core-


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Comment

strategy/ourplace/ourplace-evidence.htm

Addendum Topic papers

Councils database of consultation responsesAre you developing aframework formonitoring the effectsof the DPD?

Regulation 17 ofThe EnvironmentalAssessment ofPlans andProgrammesRegulations 2004specifies therequirements formonitoring thesignificantenvironmentaleffects ofimplementation of

plans

At the Issues and Options stage, monitoringframeworks were not in place, howeverframeworks are being developed during thepreferred options stage.

A comprehensive suite of performance indicatorsand targets will be developed to help inform themonitoring process and will provide the basis forthe AMR. These will integrate with regional andnational indicators and targets, applying morelocalised indicators and targets as appropriate. Ifnational and regional guidance indicators changethen the monitoring framework will be amended to

adjust to the new indicators. These proposedperformance indicators are set out in the PreferredOptions.

The Sustainability Appraisal of the Core Strategywill reveal any significant environmental effects,which are likely to arise due to the implementationof the plan. If any do arise, alternative policies andmitigation measures will be put in place to ensurethe plan is as sustainable as possible.

The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) will be themain mechanism through which policies in theLocal Development Documents will be monitored.Once the Core Strategy is adopted the policieswithin it will be monitored each year as will theprogress of the overall LDS.

Overall the AMR will monitor:

- Progress in preparing LDDs comparedwith the milestones set out in the LDS,and what changes to the scheme may beneeded;

- The extent to which policies and relatedtargets in LDDs are achieving theirintended purposes and where policiesmay need to be reviewed.

The AMR 2006/2007 presented data in responseto the National Core Output Indicators set out inLocal Development framework monitoring: a goodpractice guide (ODPM, 2005). It is anticipated thateach AMR will include indicators and targetsrelating to LDF documents as and when theyreach submission stage.

Evidence:


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Comment

Salisbury District Council Core Strategy PreferredOptions consultation draft (February 2008)

Salisbury District Council Annual MonitoringReport 2006/2007:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/amr-2007.pdf

Have you arranged tosend to theGovernment Officecopies of documentsused in consultation?

Not statutory, butwill assist the laterstages, where theSecretary of Statehas a statutoryrole

Copies of the Issues and Options Report and allsupporting documents and a letter were sent toGOSW in July 2007.

There is ongoing dialogue and regular meetingsand emails with GOSW.

Stage 3 Preferred Options (Regulation 26 Consultation)

Activity Statutory

Requirement

Comment

Is the DPD beingprepared in accordancewith the LDS?

The Act s19(1) The Core Strategy was identified in the firstLDS under which work for the Core StrategyIssues and Options commenced. Due to teamreorganisation a revised LDS was produced inJune 2007. This LDS extended the timetablefor the production of the Core Strategy and thePreferred Options is now in accordance withthis. The LDS also sets out the role of theCore Strategy and the Preferred Options is inaccordance with this.

Evidence:

Salisbury District Council Local DevelopmentScheme (June 2007):http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/ldf-full-lds.pdf

Salisbury District Council Core StrategyPreferred Options consultation draft (February2008)

Counsel Opinion has been sought fromLandmark Chambers and this will continuethrough each stage.

Have you assessed the

preferred options against - Consistency with

national policy?

General conformitywith the RSS?

Conformity with thecore strategy DPD orold policy (unless the

The Act s19(2),

s24 and Schedule8

Regulation 13(6)

The Core Strategy Preferred Options Report

makes regular reference and links to nationaland regional policy. This guidance has beenused to inform the policies and approaches inthe Core Strategy although it has beenensured that the document remains spatiallydistinctive to Salisbury and South Wiltshire bydividing it into district wide policies and areaspecific policies.

The preferred options also set out spatial


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Comment

DPD will supersedethe old policy)?

objectives, which were developed alongsidenational and regional policy and guidance.These were used to inform the policiescontained within the Core Strategy PreferredOptions.

There has also been close working withGOSW and advice from them has been usedto inform the Preferred Options.

A report detailing links between the PreferredOptions and key National and Regionalguidance has been produced and will beavailable during the consultation. This reportdetails specifically how the preferred optionsmeets guidance and advice from thegovernment and details the methodology usedin producing the preferred options.

Counsel Opinion has been sought fromLandmark Chambers and this will continuethrough each stage.

Are you having regard toadjoining RSSs (asappropriate?

The Act s19(2)

Regulation 15(1)(g)

Yes including the South East (New Forest)and the South Coast.

Are you having regard to -

The communitystrategy of theauthority?

Any other LDDadopted by theauthority?

PCPA 2004 s.19(2) In preparing the Preferred Options, theCommunity Strategy for the district was usedto inform policies particularly in formulating theCore Strategy Vision and in the area specificpolicies. Regard has been had to the

Community Strategy throughout theproduction of the Core Strategy and this canbee seen through the topic papers, whichinform the Core Strategy.

A multi-disciplinary team has been set upincluding community initiatives, service headunit and community plans lead officer. Thereis also regular reporting to the South WestStrategic Alliance executive board of progress.

The Council have not yet commenced anyother LDDs.

Evidence:


Topic Papers:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/planning/forward-planning/local-development-framework/core-strategy/ourplace/ourplace-


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Comment

evidence.htm#evidence-topic

Are you having regard tothe other matters andstrategies relating to -

Resources?

The RDAs RegionalEconomic Strategy?

Infrastructureprovision and anytransport plan?

Utilities infrastructure?

Integration oftransport and landuse policies?

Waste strategies?

Hazardoussubstances andaccidents?

Climate change?

Air quality strategy?

The Act s19(2)

Regulation 15

Note: This listing isderived from AnnexB of PPS12 andtherefore refers tomore than thematters specificallylisted in the Actand Regulation 15.

The Core Strategy Preferred Options reportindicates that the issues identified were takeninto account in developing the document.

A separate accompanying report to thePreferred Options details how national,regional and local policy context have beentaken account of. Furthermore theaccompanying topic papers and topic paperaddendums detail how a range of plans,strategies and guidance have been takenaccount of when preparing the Core Strategy.

RSS matters are referred to throughout theCore Strategy and in the accompanying topicpapers.

The Preferred Options has had regard to the

Transport Plan, and it contains a separatesection on Transport. There is also anaccompanying topic paper on transport andhow it relates to land use planning producedby the Joint Transportation team.

Infrastructure is also addressed in thePreferred Options and is seen as a keycomponent to any future development.

Waste is identified as an issue in the PreferredOptions and there is an option specificallyrelating to this issue. There is anaccompanying topic paper on Waste and

Pollution, which provides more context to thedetail in the Preferred Options.

There is a specific section within the PreferredOptions, which addresses Climate Change,and the governments aims are stated herewith an option of how this issue can beaddressed. There is also a separate topicpaper on climate change, which sets outnational and regional guidance and theimplications of this issue at the local level,which was used to inform the PreferredOptions.

The preferred options addresses air qualitythroughout the waste and pollution section. Airquality and air quality management zones aremore specifically detailed in the Transporttopic paper.

A Consultative Technical Group as been setup to scope and inform us at key stages in theproduction of the Core Strategy.

All topic papers addressing the above issues


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Comment

have had regard to the full range of national,regional and local guidance as well as otherlocal strategies and plans and this is fullydescribed in the specific topic papers andpolicies in the Preferred Options and

accompanying text.

Have you undertaken thenecessary sustainabilityappraisal of alternatives inarriving at the preferredoptions?

The Act s19(5) The Issues and Options consultationdocument was accompanied by the InterimSustainability Appraisal. This assessed thepolicy options put forward for consultation aspart of the Issues and Options document.Using this, the consultation responses andevidence gathered during the consultation, thepreferred options were selected.

A further Sustainability Appraisal has beencarried out on the Preferred Options andrejected options to demonstrate their relative

sustainability. This report will be publishedalongside the Preferred Options report. Anappropriate assessment will also be produced.

Evidence: Interim Sustainability Appraisal:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/ourplace-interim-sustainability.pdf

Have you prepared theSustainability Report?

The Act s19(5) The interim Sustainability Appraisal of theIssues and Options Core Strategy wasproduced as part of the consultation from July

October 2006 and assessed the optionswithin the document. A SustainabilityAppraisal to accompany the Preferred Optionswas then produced for consultation. Thisdocument contains an explanation of thepolicy situation, an appraisal of preferredoptions and the rejected options with reasonsfor this rejection.

Evidence: Interim Sustainability Appraisal:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/ourplace-interim-sustainability.pdf

Have you screened the

plan options for likelysignificant effects onEuropean Wildlife (Natura2000) sites?

Conservation

(Natural Habitats&c) (Amendment)(England andWales) Regulations2006 [forthcomingRegulation 85B]

The plan options have been screened. Refer

to the Appropriate Assessment, whichaccompanies the Preferred Options documentfor details and therefore is in accordance withthe Habitats Directive.

Evidence: Interim Appropriate Assessment:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/interim-appropriate-assessment-statement.pdf


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Comment

If necessary (see above)have you made anAppropriate Assessmentof the plan options inHabitats terms?

Draft HabitatsRegulations no85B Conservation(Natural Habitats&c) (Amendment )

(England andWales) Regulations2006 [forthcomingRegulation 85B]

An Appropriate Assessment has been carriedout of the Preferred Options document.

Evidence:

Appropriate Assessment of Preferred Options(February 2008)

Have you set out clearreasons for the preferredoptions and a prcis ofthe alternatives and whythey were rejected?

Regulation 13(1) For each Option within the Preferred Optionsthere is a reasoned justification for taking itforward including supporting evidence andaccordance with national and regionalguidance, and other local strategies andplans. Rejected options are contained withinthe Sustainability Appraisal with a justificationof why these options have not been carried

forward. The supporting Topic Papers alsocontain a reasoned justification of the optionsto be carried forward and those, which havebeen left out and provide a detailed audit trail.

Evidence:


Sustainability Appraisal of Preferred Options(February 2008)

Topic Papers and Topic Paper Addendums:http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/planning/forward-planning/local-development-framework/core-strategy/ourplace/ourplace-evidence.htm

Are you ready to seekparticipation on thepreferred options andconsult on thesustainability report,including any findings onAppropriate Assessment?

Regulation 26 Members support for the consultation on thePreferred Options document was sought byCabinet on 17

thJanuary 2008. It was resolved

that the Preferred Options be authorised forpublic consultation for a period of 6 weeks,with a report back to Cabinet in due courseoutlining the outcomes of the consultation andgiving members final say over the preferred

options to be taken forward as well asdetailing the next steps in the Core Strategyprocess. Furthermore related to the LDF, itwas resolved that the continuation of theproduction of the LDF be endorsed as per theadopted timetable in the LDS, which has beenagreed with the Government.

The Preferred Options have been producedand, alongside the Sustainability Appraisal


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Comment

and Appropriate Assessment, they are readyto be consulted on in accordance with theCouncils adopted Statement of CommunityInvolvement and Regulation 26.

Evidence:


Sustainability Appraisal of Preferred Options(February 2008)

Appropriate Assessment of Preferred Options(February 2008)

Topic Papers and Topic Paper Addendums:

http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/planning/forward-planning/local-development-framework/core-strategy/ourplace/ourplace-evidence.htm

Have you prepared ahousing trajectory (whererelevant to the DPD beingprepared)?

Non-statutory,althoughRegulation 48requiresinformation on netadditional dwellingsto be given in theAMR. See PPS12paras 4.25 and

4.48

A Housing Trajectory has been produced andis included in this years AMR (2006/2007).There is a section within the Preferred Optionsspecifically covering Housing and at theSubmission Stage a Housing Trajectory will beincluded, as time is needed to add moreinformation to the current one in the AMR. Aseparate housing topic paper also backs upthe Preferred Options housing section.

Evidence:

Salisbury District Council Annual MonitoringReport (2006/2007):http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/amr-2007.pdf


Housing Topic Paper and Addendum Topicpaper: http://www.salisbury.gov.uk/topic2-

housing.pdfWhere sites are to beidentified or areas for theapplication of policy, areyou preparing sufficientillustrative material to -

Enable you to amendthe currently adopted

Regulation 9 The Core Strategy key diagrams shows themain villages and settlements with the locationof proposed key development areas forhousing and employment.


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Comment

inspected? representations

Do the participationarrangements comply withthe SCI?

The Act s19(3) All participation arrangements so far havebeen fully compliant with the CouncilsStatement of Community Involvement in in

fact much of the consultation thus far hasexceeded the SCI. The SCI sets out howpeople and organisations are to be involved inthe planning process and how and at whatstages they will be consulted. Any subsequentparticipation will also be in accordance withthe SCI.

Evidence: Our Place in the FutureMethodology and Output consultation report

Have you sent theGovernment Office and

the Planning Inspectoratecopies of the proposalsfor the DPD andsupporting documents?

Not statutory GOSW have been sent all documentsaccompanying the Preferred Options Core

Strategy including evidence such as topicpaper addendums, Sustainability Appraisaland Appropriate Assessment. This willcontinue to be sent as it evolves iterativeprocess.

Are you keeping a recordof the number ofrepresentations made andthe issues raised?

Regulation 28(1)(d) Consultation responses for the Core StrategyPreferred Options and Sustainability Appraisalwill be recorded as they are received and kepton both file and electronically on a database.This is in accordance with the SCI. Thisinformation will then be used to showevidence of the number of representationsmade, the main issues raised and how theyhave been addressed and subsequentchanges have been made in producing theSubmission Draft of the Preferred Options.

Stage 4 - Submission

2.2 This stage covers the period of considering the results of the public consultation on thepreferred options and the SA report. The final form and content of the Core Strategy forsubmission is also decided upon.

2.3 The Council will provide a further update using the soundness self-assessment toolkit at theend of that stage to demonstrate how it has met these procedural requirements.

Stage 5 Post submission

2.4 This stage covers the period between the submission of the documents to the Secretary ofState and the opening of the first hearing session of the examination. Essentially it is concernedwith receiving and considering representations, and preparing for the hearing part of theexamination.

2.5 The council will provide a further update using the soundness self-assessment toolkit at theend of that stage to demonstrate how it has met these procedural requirements.


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3. Soundness

3.1 This section sets out the view of the council that the Core Strategy is sound in terms of thestatutory provisions and guidance. PPS 12 indicates that soundness should be judged through 9

tests. This section addresses each of the soundness tests in turn and sets out the councilsevidence.

Test 1

Soundness Test 1

KEY QUESTION EVIDENCE PROVIDED

Is has been prepared inaccordance with theLocal DevelopmentScheme

The Core Strategy was identified in the first LDS under which work forthe Core Strategy Issues and Options commenced. Due to teamreorganisation a revised LDS was produced in June 2007. This LDSextended the timetable for the production of the Core Strategy andcurrent work is now in accordance with this.

The LDS (2007) sets out individual profiles/project plans for each DPD. Itstates that the role of the Core Strategy is to set out the Councils visionand key principles for development in the district as a whole. It will aim tobalance the competing environmental, social and economic pressures byprescribing s sustainable strategy for the future development of thedistrict and where it envisages that development will be focussed. It willalso include a key diagram to show a clear spatial plan of the keyelements and will set out core policies. This has all been conveyedthough all stages in the production of the Core Strategy thus far.

Test 2

Soundness Test 2


It has been prepared incompliance with thestatement of communityinvolvement.

Consultation and community engagement has been carried out inaccordance with the Statement of Community Involvement. It requires aminimum period of 6 weeks for consultation. The Issues and Options wasconsulted on for a period of 10 weeks due to the summer holidays. Thepreferred options will be consulted on for 6 weeks. The SCI also requiresStatutory Consultees and other consultees who the council considershas an interest in the subject matter to be notified this has occurredwith over 1000 people being directly notified including all Councilors andParish Councils. As required by the SCI, the main document and allsupporting documents have been made available for inspection at the

council offices, website and other appropriate locations includinglibraries.

Test 3

Soundness Test 3


The plan and its policies Each stage of the preparation of the Core Strategy DPD this far has been


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have be subjected tosustainability appraisal

subject to SA. The Issues and Options Interim Sustainability Report waspublished in July 2007. At Preferred Options a revised SA was producedin February 2008. A final SA Report will be prepared and submitted tothe Secretary of State alongside the Core Strategy DPD in accordancewith the timetable set out in the LDS (2007).

Although not a formal requirement at each stage, guidance in the

Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and LocalDevelopment Documents from central government recommends thateach stage of the preparation of Development Plan Documents arecomplimented by a sustainability appraisal. This will ensure that the finalsustainability appraisal for each DPD is comprehensive and robustenough for consultation and examination.

Test 4

Soundness Test 4


It is a spatial plan which

is consistent withnational planning policyand in general conformitywith the RSS for theregion and has properlyhad regard to any otherrelevant plans, policiesand strategies relating tothe area.

The Core Strategy is a spatial plan, which sets out the broad visions,

objectives and spatial development strategy to be achieved via thestrategic policies. The DPD makes regular reference to national andregional policy guidance throughout. The Preferred Options is alsoaccompanied by a technical paper setting out how it accords withnational and regional guidance.

The Core Strategy DPD has taken into account many other plans andstrategies during its production including key national and regionalguidance and is therefore considered to be consistent with thisguidance. Regard has also been had to a wide range of guidance andplans including the Wiltshire Structure Plan. The Country has alsoresponded to each consultation stage of the Core Strategy and thesecomments have been taken into account and changes carried out asrequired.

A number of policies at Preferred Options stage have been amendedand reviewed to take latest Government policy and guidance andrecommendations made by GOSW into account. Each stage in theproduction of the Core Strategy is supported by a range of topic paperssetting out the evidence for including policies in the document and a

justification of those that have been omitted.

Test 5


Has it had regard to theCommunity Strategy?

In producing the Core Strategy, regard has been had to the CouncilsCommunity Strategy and the Vision in the Core Strategy reflects theCommunity Strategy aspirations. Regard has also been had to theCommunity Strategy in the area specific policies section in the PreferredOptions document. The overall themes contained within the CoreStrategy reflect the vision and strategic objectives of the CouncilsCommunity Strategy.

During the Issues and Options consultation, the Community Strategy wasalso consulted upon and the results will be used to revise it.


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There has also been regular reporting to the South West ExecutiveBoard.

Test 6

Soundness Test 6KEY QUESTION EVIDENCE PROVIDED

Thestrategies/policies/allocationsin the plan are coherent andconsistent within andbetween development plandocuments prepared by theauthority.

The Core Strategy DPD links policies to objectives to provide acoherent link between the spatial vision and spatial objectives.

The themes embody the aims of higher-level strategies, includingthe Government's guiding principles of sustainable development,the RSS and the Community Strategy. The Key Diagram in the CoreStrategy DPD also provides the means to show links andrelationships with other strategies.

DPDs dealing with site allocation will follow on from, and be

informed by, the Core Strategy.

The Core Strategy DPD Policies aims and objectives were alsoappraised against Sustainability Appraisal objectives and this alsoidentified that there were no instances where these spatialobjectives were incompatible with the LDFs Sustainability Appraisalobjectives.

Amendments will continue to be made to the document in light ofthe Preferred Options consultation responses and advice fromGOSW.

Test 7

Soundness Test 7


Thestrategies/policies/allocationsrepresent the mostappropriate in all thecircumstances, havingconsidered the relevantalternatives, and they arefounded on a robust andcredible evidence base.

Sustainability Appraisals carried out at each stage shows how theCouncil has considered the relevant options and alternatives with a

justification for this.

In the Core Strategy DPD the overall vision, objectives and strategyfor development draw upon the evidence base, the District profileand the national, regional and local policy context. Theaccompanying topic papers set out the evidence base to inform theoptions contained within the Core Strategy along with keybackground studies (Retail and Leisure needs study, Open SpaceAudit, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment), and together theseprovide a clear audit trail.

All documents accompanying the Core Strategy have been carriedout in accordance with Government Guidance and in consultationwith various bodies/organisations where appropriate.

Test 8


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Soundness Test 8


There are clearmechanisms forimplementation and

monitoring.

At the Issues and Options stage, monitoring frameworks were not inplace, however frameworks are being developed during the preferredoptions stage.

A comprehensive suite of performance indicators and targets will bedeveloped to help inform the monitoring process and will provide thebasis for the AMR. These will integrate with regional and nationalindicators and targets, applying more localised indicators and targets asappropriate. If national and regional guidance indicators change then themonitoring framework will be amended to adjust to the new indicators.These proposed performance indicators are set out in the PreferredOptions.

The Sustainability Appraisal of the Core Strategy will reveal anysignificant environmental effects, which are likely to arise due to theimplementation of the plan. If any do arise, alternative policies andmitigation measures will be put in place to ensure the plan is assustainable as possible.

The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) will be the main mechanism

through which policies in the Local Development Documents will bemonitored. Once the Core Strategy is adopted the policies within it will bemonitored each year as will the progress of the overall LDS.

Overall the AMR will monitor:

- Progress in preparing LDDs compared with the milestones setout in the LDS, and what changes to the scheme may beneeded;

- The extent to which policies and related targets in LDDs areachieving their intended purposes and where policies may needto be reviewed.

The AMR 2006/2007 presented data in response to the National Core

Output Indicators set out in Local Development framework monitoring: agood practice guide (ODPM, 2005). It is anticipated that each AMR willinclude indicators and targets relating to LDF documents as and whenthey reach submission stage.

Test 9

Soundness Test 9


The plan is reasonablyflexible to enable it todeal with changing

circumstances

The Core Strategy DPD has been designed to provide a flexible policyframework. The Core Strategy sets out a strategic framework for theLDF, giving a local dimension to reflect the development needs ofSalisbury and South Wiltshire.

The AMR provides mechanisms to monitor the delivery of the DPDs andwill assess whether reviews are necessary in case of changes orcircumstances.


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Salisbury District CouncilPlanning Office, 61 Wyndham Road,

Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3AH.

tel: 01722 434362fax: 01722 434247

email: [email protected]: www.salisbury.gov.uk

Printed on paper containing 80% post consumer waste. This information canbe made available in other formats, upon request.

We try to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate at the time ofgoing to press and while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy Salisbury DistrictCouncil cannot guarantee it and does not accept any liability for any error or omission.