The Inspector has agreed to suspend the Local Plan Examination until May 2016. This is dependent on satisfactory progress being made to address the Inspector’s concerns following the initial hearings in May 2015. For full details visit the Local Plan Examination page.

Background information 

Warwick District councillors voted to request a suspension of the district’s Local Plan examination following a meeting held on the 12th August.

It was agreed that the council write to the Inspector to request the suspension in order to address the Inspector’s concerns in line with a mutually agreeable timetable. The draft Local Plan was rejected earlier this year by the Inspector who advised that it would need a significant review before further progression.  

Concerns were then raised by council leader Andrew Mobbs in a letter to the Secretary of State, Greg Clark detailing how the rejection could have serious consequences for the development of the district. The Secretary of State has responded via a meeting at which he indicated that he does not intend to intervene at this stage but he suggested that the Council respond directly to the Inspector.

The report agreed by Council on the 12th August, suggests a way forward and a timetable which seeks to address the Inspector’s concerns without requiring the Plan to be withdrawn as initially suggested by the Inspector. If the Inspector agrees with the council’s revised way forward, it would mean that the examination of the Local Plan could start again in the early months of 2016. 

Councillor Andrew Mobbs, Leader of Warwick District Council commented after the meeting, held last night, "I am pleased that we have taken this positive step forward, which, if successful, will enable us to resume the inspection around September 2016. We are keen to work with the Planning Inspectorate in achieving a sound plan-based development of the district, thus protecting our communities from any unwanted developments."

Stephen Cross, Portfolio Holder for Development at Warwick District Council further commented, "The thought, expertise and sound approach from all involved certainly offers an opportunity for us to proceed with our plan.  I am delighted with the decision the council has made."

The timetable for resolving the issue of unmet need in Coventry was also approved. 

Related links 

• New Local Plan
• Local Plan Examination