Consultation Process

There are three formal opportunities to express opinions on Development Plan Documents (DPDs) as they evolve. In addition, informal discussions will be held with stakeholders throughout the process.

The first stage of consultation with the public and other stakeholders, is on the initial issues and options. For the Development Control Policies DPD this 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 have been considered and are being used in the preparation of a Preferred Options report.

The second stage of consultation will take place on the Development Control Policies Preferred Options report. This is expected to take place in autumn 2008. The report will contain the options that we consider to be the best way to tackle the identified issues.

A copy of the Development Control Policies Issues and Options report is available in the 'Linked Documents' box to the right of the page, together with a copy of the Initial Sustainability Appraisal report.

The third formal opportunity for comment will be when the final document is submitted to the Secretary of State. At this stage comments will be invited on whether people consider the document to be "sound" and legally compliant. Representations will be considered by an independent Planning Inspector, who will hold a public examination into the soundness and legal compliance of the document.