NPPF Model Policy - inclusion in Development Plan Document - Public forum - Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

Hello Graeme, there's another thread going on about the model policy, here http://www.pas.gov.uk/pas/forum/thread-maint.do?topicId=2195971&start=10 You could ask your Inspector? Or phone up the NPPF helpline which PINs are administrating (0303 444 5500)

Sadly Graeme from what I've come across Inspectors regard this as a “major” change and therefore it has to be consulted on. Complete and utter madness having to consult on a policy that adds absolutely nothing but political dogma to your plan and one which no-one can object to since it is direct repeat of national policy. But that shows just how little government understands the system it has chosen to set up and a great shame that its professional advisors failed to point this out. Yes of course it will bemuse your community and members, delay your plan and cost you money but I’m sure your plan really will be more sustainable…! Maybe this should be added to the list of red tape that Mr Pickles should really get rid of at the first available opportunity. You could of course be the first to convince your Inspector that there is a real world and it is a minor change of no consequence, rumours are about that PINS is watering down its stance.

We also published just a few days before the NPPF and last week had a PINS 'support' visit at which this came up. We were told it was a Minor change since we had no choice no matter who objected. On the other hand and in spiet of the no choice situation the Inspector for the Waste Local Plan for this area, which is being examined at the moment, regards it as a Major as does the Inspector for another examination taking place in this part of the world.