What Is Regulation 19?
A Regulation 19 consultation primarily concerns the four tests of soundness used in town planning. Set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, these tests assess whether a draft Local Plan is legally compliant and ready for public examination before local adoption. It is the last step in the plan making process subject to public engagement before the examination takes place.
A key point to note is that all comments made during the consultation are sent verbatim to the planning inspector to be considered as part of the examination process. It therefore is an ideal opportunity to get important points raised directly with the person who will eventually agree the Local Plan.
The Four Tests of Soundness
Legal Compliance Checks
In this consultation you are being asked whether you consider the Local Plan, or more specifically each of it constituent parts (called Policies), is sound and/or legally compliant.
Does the content pass these tests?
A key point to note is that all comments made during the consultation are sent verbatim to the planning inspector to be considered as part of the examination process. It therefore is an ideal opportunity to get important points raised directly with the person who will eventually agree the Local Plan.
The Four Tests of Soundness
- Positively prepared: The plan meets the area's objectively assessed development and infrastructure needs, including unmet needs from neighbouring areas where practical.
- Justified: The strategy is appropriate, built on proportionate evidence, and considers reasonable alternatives.
- Effective: The plan is deliverable over the designated period and supported by cross-boundary working.
- Consistent with national policy: The plan enables the delivery of sustainable development in line with national guidelines.
Legal Compliance Checks
- The local planning authority must prove the plan complied with statutory preparation duties.
- This includes publishing under the correct regulations and consulting the community properly.
In this consultation you are being asked whether you consider the Local Plan, or more specifically each of it constituent parts (called Policies), is sound and/or legally compliant.
Does the content pass these tests?
