Core Strategy Examination

This page contains information about the Core Strategy Independent Examination. The purpose of the Independent Examination is to consider if a development plan document (DPD) is sound.

On 3 June 2010 Sevenoaks District Council submitted its LDF Core Strategy to the Secretary of State. Elizabeth Fieldhouse has been appointed by the Secretary of State as the Independent Inspector for the Development Plan Document. The Inspector will conduct an examination to determine whether the document is sound, based on whether it is justified, effective and consistent with national policy.

The Inspector will consider all the representations received in response to the Draft for Submission and consider whether a public hearing is necessary and if so who should be invited to give evidence. After the Examination, the Inspector will produce a report with recommendations that are binding upon the Council. Any changes required by the Inspector must be made before the document can be adopted.

On 24 June 2010 the Inspector set out a list of initial questions for the Council prior to the Pre Hearing Meeting. A copy of these questions and the Council's subsequent response can be downloaded below.

Initial Inspectors Questions ( PDF File 366KB file details)
Response to Inspectors Questions Covering Letter ( PDF File 37KB file details)
Response to Inspectors Questions 23 July 2010 ( PDF File 72KB file details)
Appendix A1 PAS Legal Compliance Self Assessment July 2010 ( PDF File 236KB file details)
Appendix A2 PAS Legal Compliance Appendices ( PDF File 2074KB file details)
Appendix B Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Clarification Letter ( PDF File 7KB file details)
Appendix C Summary of Main Core Strategy Issues by Topic ( PDF File 53KB file details)

The submitted Core Strategy can be viewed at Core Strategy Draft for submission ( PDF File 12522KB file details)

Click here to view the Examination Document List, including copies or representations made and the schedule of minor amendments.

The examination hearings will commence on Tuesday 5 October 2010 at 10am at the Council Offices, Sevenoaks. Full details of the hearing sessions will be published once confirmed by Elizabeth Fieldhouse, the Planning Inspector.

Further information will be available in due course by selecting the Examination Venue and Timetable Page.

A pre-hearing meeting took place on Wednesday 11 August 2010. Pre hearing meeting minutes covering letter ( PDF File 206KB file details)

All correspondence for the Inspector should be sent to the Programme Officer. His contact details are:

Mr Michael Doe
Programme Officer
Council Offices
Argyle Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1HG

Telephone: 01732 227494

e-mail: michael.doe@sevenoaks.gov.uk

If you wish to visit the Examinations Office please phone the Programme Officer at the above number in advance to make an appointment.

Further information about the examination process can be found in the Examination Guidance Note ( PDF File 77KB file details) produced by the Planning Inspectorate.

Documents and letters produced during the examination Process

Examination Notification Letter to those who made Representations 29.6.2010 ( PDF File 201KB file details)

Pre Hearing Meeting Agenda Covering Letter ( PDF File 177KB file details)

Second Schedule of Minor Amendments notification letter ( PDF File 40KB file details)