Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP) Main Modifications Consultation

What is this consultation about?

Plymouth City Council (PCC), South Hams District Council (SHDC) and West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) submitted the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP) to the Secretary of State on 31 July 2017. From January to March 2018 the public examination of the JLP took place.

Since the hearings closed we have received an Interim Note from the Inspectors that identifies changes which need to be made to the plan. These are called Main Modifications (MMs). These Main Modifications, along with any necessary sustainability appraisal work, needs to be consulted on before the Inspectors can reach their conclusions.

What else is available to look at?

Additionally, as a distinct exercise which is not a part of the JLP Public Examination process, the Councils are undertaking a separate consultation on Additional (Minor) Modifications to the JLP and updated policies maps.

Responses to these modifications will only be considered by the Councils and not by the Planning Inspectors as they do not relate to the soundness of the plan.

How long do these consultations last?

Both consultations, the Main Modifications (considered by the Inspectors) and the Additional/Map Modifications (considered by the Councils only) will run for 6 weeks from Monday 22 October 2018 to Monday 3 December 2018 at 5pm.

Comments submitted after this time may not be considered.

Please note: For both consultations, this is not an opportunity to re-state previous representations, as these have already been considered as part of the examination. This is also not an opportunity to raise new objections to the previous submission version of the JLP or to seek further changes to it. For example: seeking the inclusion or omission of a site in the Plan other than those identified in the Proposed Main Modifications.

This consultation is purely on the modifications and it is only these which are available for comment.

How can I comment on the modifications?

The best way for you to comment on the proposed modifications to the plan is through our consultation portal. 

PDF versions of all documents are also available through the Main Modifications consultation website. 

In South Hams and West Devon, paper copies will be available to view at the locations below. Please check opening times directly with the venue before making a special journey, as opening times may vary. Please note that due to the high cost of printing, paper copies are for reference only.

•           Dartmouth – Town Council

•           Ivybridge – Watermark Centre

•           Ivybridge – Town Council

•           Kingsbridge – Town Council

•           Totnes – Town Council

•           Totnes – Library

•           Salcombe – Town Council

•           Woolwell – Community Centre

•           Okehampton – Town Council

•           North Tawton – Town Council

•           Hatherleigh – Town Council/Community Centre

•           South Hams District Council, Follaton House, Totnes

•           West Devon Borough Council, Kilworthy Park, Tavistock

What support is available?

We understand that this consultation is different and a lot more formal than previous engagement phases; because of this each local authority will be hosting a surgery/drop-in sessions where we will have paper copies available to view and officers on hand to answer any questions.

What happens next?

At the end of the consultation all comments will be published online.

If you commented on a Main Modification, this will be passed onto the Planning Inspectors for consideration.

If you commented on the Additional Modifications or the Map Modifications then these will only be considered by the three Councils.

If you are having trouble viewing or gaining access to the material please get in touch via email: strategic.planning@swdevon.gov.uk