Civic Quarter AAP Consultation Questionnaire

Closed 5 Mar 2021

Opened 20 Jan 2021

Contact

civicquarterplan@trafford.gov.uk

Overview

The following questionnaire is based on the soundness of the Regulation 19 Civic Quarter Area Action Plan.

Please find the Area Action Plan along with supporting documents here: https://www.trafford.gov.uk/Civic-quarter-AAP

Privacy and data protection: All comments will be held by the Council and will be available to view publicly. Comments cannot be treated as confidential and we cannot register your comments without your details. Your personal information such as your postal and e-mail address will not be published, but your name and organisation (if relevant) will. 

By submitting this response form you are agreeing to these conditions.

Trafford Council maintains a database of consultees who wish to be kept informed about strategic planning matters such as the Local Plan and AAPs. In responding to this consultation your contact details will automatically be added to the consultation database (if not already held). However, the Council will not automatically notify you of future consultations unless you ‘opt-in’.

 

Why your views matter

Trafford Council wants your views on the soundness of the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan and supporting documents. 

What is Soundness?

The tests of soundness against which the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan (CQ AAP) will be assessed are set out in paragraph 35 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  In determining whether the CQ AAP meets these tests and can be considered to be soundly prepared, the appointed independent Inspector has to be satisfied that the document has been: 

Positively prepared: This means that the CQ AAP provides a strategy which, as a minimum, seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs, and (where relevant) is informed by agreements with other authorities so that any unmet need from neighbouring areas is accommodated where it is practical to do so and is consistent with achieving sustainable development; 

Justified: This means that the CQ AAP is founded on an appropriate strategy taking into account the reasonable alternatives and based on proportionate evidence;

Effective: This means that the CQ AAP is deliverable over the plan period, and (where relevant) is based on effective joint-working on cross-boundary strategic matters that have been dealt with rather than deferred, as evidenced by a statement of common ground; and

Consistent with national policy: This means that the CQ AAP will enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies of the NPPF.      

Comments relating to soundness must be specific in terms of how and why it is considered the CQ AAP is, or is not, sound referencing the tests relevant to the comment.  Comments must be supported by evidence and justification.  

What is the Duty to Cooperate?

The requirements of the Duty to Cooperate are set out in Section 110 of the Localism Act 2011 and Section 33A of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.  In summary the legislation requires all local planning authorities to demonstrate that they have had active and ongoing cooperation with key bodies, such as neighbouring authorities and other statutory organisations on strategic matters, including infrastructure, housing and employment needs and flooding.  

Comments relating to the Duty to Cooperate must be specific in terms of how and why it is considered the CQ AAP has, or has not, met its duty.  Comments must be supported by evidence and justification.  

What is an Integrated Assessment?

An Integrated Assessment (IA) is an integral part of the plan-making process for the CQ AAP.  Its purpose is to assess the impacts of the emerging plan on social, economic, environmental, health and equality objectives.  An IA document has been produced alongside the CQ AAP in order to inform its development.  The latest updated version of the IA has been published with the CQ AAP.  Comments relating to the IA must be specific in terms of how and why the findings of the updated IA are not supported.    

Attendance at the Examination

One of the key parts of the Examination of the CQ AAP will be the hearing sessions requested and led by the appointed Planning Inspector.  Should respondents wish to appear at the Examination, they should make it clear in their submission, and on what grounds they wish to appear and why it is necessary.