The Core Strategy submitted to the Secretary of State in April 2006 was withdrawn in April 2007 on the advice of the Planning Inspectorate and the Government Office. We were advised to replace the previous strategy with two separate documents. One to address the core spatial strategy (Core Strategy) and one to provide development control policies (Development Control Policies DPD). Work began in April 2007 on the replacement Core Strategy.

Core Strategy Consultation Process

There have been three formal opportunities to express opinions on the document as it evolved. In addition, informal discussions have been held with stakeholders throughout the process.

The first stage of consultation, with the public and other stakeholders, on the initial issues and options for the Core Strategy took place from May to July 2007.  We sought input on the issues that needed to be raised on the options available to us. All representations received were considered and used to inform a further round of consultation with selected key stakeholders to aid further the preparation of Preferred Options.

The second stage of consultation, on the Core Strategy Preferred Options report, took place from November 2007 to January 2008. The Report contained the options that the Council considered to be the best way to tackle the identified issues. The Report was set out in two volumes: Volume 1 identified the Preferred Options for policies and their reasoned justification, and Volume 2 provided the evidence base for the development of the Preferred Options.

The third formal opportunity for comment is at the time of submission to the Secretary of State, which took place on 4 July 2008. Public consultation will run until 15 August 2008. As this is a formal consultation period it is limited by planning regulations to 6 weeks. All comments must be received by 4.30pm on Friday 15 August 2008. Unfortunately any comments received outside this period cannot be considered.

Your views are invited on whether you think the Core Strategy is sound and legally compliant. Comprehensive guidance notes on 'soundness' and legal compliance can be found both on the Core Strategy response form in 'Linked Documents' and by clicking on the link to the 'Huntingdonshire District Council Consultation Portal' to the right of the screen (in External Links), where you can view an interactive version of the Submission Core Strategy and accompanying documents. Full instructions on how to register and make representations are provided by clicking on the 'Help' button on the top right of the Consultation Portal welcome page. This is the Council's preferred method of receiving comments as it helps us to handle them quickly and efficiently.

If you are unable to use the interactive service, completed response forms can be emailed to ldf@huntsdc.gov.uk or posted to Development Plans Team, Huntingdonshire District Council, Pathfinder House, St Marys Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Development Plans Team on 01480 388431/2/3/5.

What happens next?

Any representations made will be considered by an independent Planning Inspector who will hold a public examination into the soundness and legal compliance of the Core Strategy. This is expected to take place in spring 2009.