Decision
a)
The Wareham
Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2034, as modified (please see Appendix B), can proceed
to referendum.
b) A recommendation to ‘make’ the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2034 be made to a Cabinet
meeting after the referendum if the result of the referendum is in support of
making the plan and there are no other issues identified that would go against
such a decision.
Reason
for the decision
To progress the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan to
referendum so that pending a favourable vote, the plan can be ‘made’.
Alternative
Options considered and rejected
The
Council can decide not to follow the recommendations of the Examiner, but it
must set out its reasons for doing so.
The
Council has agreed to accept all of the Examiner’s recommendations made within
her report (Appendix A).
Consultees
The plan has been subject to
a large amount of public consultation as it has been progressed.
Budget
Implications
Once
a referendum date has been set, the Council becomes eligible for a grant of
£20,000. This grant is intended to cover the costs associated with the
Council’s input into the production of the neighbourhood plan including the
examination and referendum. The grant of £20,000 will be sufficient to cover
the costs associated with the examination and referendum.
Legal
Implications
A legal challenge could
theoretically be made against a decision to
proceed to referendum. Such a challenge could be made on the basis that the
neighbourhood plan, as modified, does not meet the basic conditions, is not
compatible with the Convention rights or because it does not comply with the
definition of a neighbourhood development plan. However, the independent
Examiner has considered these matters in light of all of the objections that
have been made to the plan. Given the
evidence before them, officers consider that there is no basis for reaching a
different view to the Examiner.
Any
Conflict of Interest
None
Reference
Documents
· Appendix A:
Examiner’s Report
· Appendix B:
Referendum Version of the Wareham Neighbourhood Plan 2019-2034
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 13/07/2021
Decision due: 8 Jul 2021 by Portfolio Holder for Planning
Lead member: Portfolio Holder for Planning
Lead director: Executive Director, Place
Contact: Joanne Langrish-Merritt, Planning Officer Email: joanne.langrish-merritt@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.