Making a representation on Rogate & Rake Neighbourhood Development Plan

All representations made on the Rogate & Rake Neighbourhood Development Plan (RRNP) will be passed on to an independent examiner to consider as part of the examination of the RRNP.  Neighbourhood Plans are not examined in the same manner as Local Plans.  Importantly, the examiner is required to consider whether the neighbourhood development plan meets five basic conditions, which state neighbourhood plans should:

• have regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State;
• contribute to the achievement of sustainable development;
• be in general conformity with the strategic policies contained in the development plan for the area;
• be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements;
• not be likely to have a significant effect on a European site or a European offshore marine site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects.

Therefore, it is recommended that any comments should relate to these matters above.

What happens next?

The consultation ends on Monday 14^th December.  The next stages for the RRNP are:

Stage	Timescale & further details
Examiner appointment	During the consultation period.
Examination	Directly following the end of the consultation.  Expected to take 4 weeks.
Examiner issues final report	The examiner makes one of the following recommendations (February 2021): - that the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to Referendum, on the basis that it meets all legal requirements; - that the Neighbourhood Plan, as modified, should proceed to Referendum; - that the Neighbourhood Plan does not proceed to Referendum, on the basis that it does not meet the relevant legal requirements.
Referendum	Subject to a successful examination, there will be a referendum (held in May 2021 at the earliest) when the community are asked: “Do you want South Downs National Park Authority to use the neighbourhood plan for Rogate to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?” If over 50% of those who vote say yes, the RRNP will be adopted by the SDNPA.