Announcements

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF THE POST SUBMISSION MAIN MODIFICATIONS TO THE SWINDON BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN 2026 (PRE-SUBMISSION, DECEMBER 2012) (REGULATION 24)

PLANNING AND COMPULSORY PURCHASE ACT 2004 (AS AMENDED)
THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2004
THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2008
THE TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (LOCAL PLANNING) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2012

Swindon Borough Council has published the post submission 'Main Modifications' to the Swindon Borough Local Plan.

The Local Plan is a document that sets out a spatial framework for development within the Borough. Once adopted, the Swindon Borough Local Plan will form part of the Swindon Borough Local Development Framework.

The Swindon Local Plan 2026 is currently being examined by an independent Inspector to ensure it is legally compliant and meets the test of soundness. The hearing sessions of the examination closed on May 22nd 2014.

In accordance with section 20 (7C) of the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (as amended by Section 112 of the Localism Act 2011), the Council requested that the Inspector present modifications needed to ensure the Plan is both sound and legally compliant (to fulfil Section 20(5) (a) of the 2004 Act). The Inspector has now issued a series of main modifications to the Plan in order for the Plan to be found sound and legally complaint.

As part of the process, the Inspector has instructed the Council to undertake public consultation on the proposed main modifications before he completes his Report, which we currently expect to be in receipt of by December. Once we have received his Report it is anticipated we will progress rapidly to adoption of the Plan.

Alongside the main modifications as proposed by the Inspector we are also consulting on a series of other (minor) modifications to the Plan. These are changes that do not go to the soundness of the Plan, but are largely confined to typographical/grammatical amendments, factual updates, additional clarification or editorial changes where they would act to improve the Plan as a whole.

It should be noted that at this stage of the examination process comments can only be made on the modifications included within the schedule of modifications and is not an opportunity to make comments on other aspects or content of the Plan.
Public consultation starts on Thursday 18th September until 5pm on Thursday 30th October 2014. All documentation is available for public inspection at Swindon Borough Council One-Stop-Shop Wat Tyler House, Beckhampton Street, Swindon, SN1 2JG (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)and can be viewed at Libraries, Parish and Town Council offices located in the Borough during normal opening hours of those libraries and offices. Or can be viewed on the Swindon Borough Council Website at www.swindon.gov.uk/swindonplan, or by contacting the planning department on 01793 466513 or emailing forwardplanning@swindon.gov.uk.

Representations should be sent in writing to Planning Service, Freepost SCE5251, Swindon Borough Council, 5th Floor, Wat Tyler House (West), Beckhampton Street, Swindon, SN1 2JG to arrive no later than 5pm on Thursday 30th October 2014. You may also fax your response to arrive no later than the time and date above on 01793 466484 or by email to forwardplanning@swindon.gov.uk no later than the above time and date.

Further information is available by contacting the planning department at Swindon Borough Council on 01793 466513, or e-mail forwardplanning@swindon.gov.uk

R. Bell
Head of Planning and Regulatory Services
Swindon Borough Council Wat Tyler House (West), Beckhampton Street Swindon, SN1 2JG

Dated: 18th September 2014