Purpose

This report seeks approval to consult on the draft plan and procure an independent examiner, who will subsequently examine the draft plan. Consultation and examination are requirements of the governing regulations.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive:

i)               approved a six week consultation on the draft Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan (Enclosure 1: Ruscombe Draft Neighbourhood Plan); and supporting information.

ii)              agreed to appoint an examiner to independently examine the draft Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan, delegating the appointment and submission of the examination documentation to the Director of Place and Growth in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning and Local Plan.

REASONS FOR DECISION

This report seeks approval to consult on the updated draft Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan submitted by Ruscombe Parish Council in March 2023, and to procure an independent examiner who will subsequently examine the updated draft Plan. The examination will consider all representations submitted during the proposed consultation. Consultation and examination are requirements of the regulations governing neighbourhood plan preparation.

The Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan, prepared by Ruscombe Parish Council, if adopted in due course, will become part of the development plan and be used alongside the Wokingham Borough Council’s local plans to guide decisions on planning applications.