C1Part II Development Plans
Local plans
12 Adoption and approval of local plans.
1
After the expiry of the period afforded for making objections to a local plan or, if such objections have been duly made during that period, after considering the objections so made, the . . . F2 planning authority may, subject to . . . F3 subsections F4(2), (2A), (2B) and (3) of this section, by resolution adopt the plan either as originally prepared or as modified so as to take account of F5—
a
any such objections (whether or not they have been the subject of a local inquiry or other hearing);
b
any matters arising out of such objections; or
c
any drafting or technical matters, if these are of a minor nature.
F62
Where for any area the Secretary of State has approved a structure plan under section 7 of this Act the planning authority shall not adopt a local plan unless it conforms . . . F7 to that structure plan.
F82A
After copies of a local plan have been sent to the Secretary of State and before it has been adopted by the planning authority, the Secretary of State may, if it appears to him that any part of it is unsatisfactory, and without prejudice to his power to make a direction under subsection (3) below, direct the authority to consider modifying the plan in such respects as are indicated in the direction.
2B
An authority to whom a direction is given shall not adopt the plan unless they satisfy the Secretary of State that they have made the modifications necessary to confirm with the direction or the direction is withdrawn.
3
After copies of a local plan have been sent to the Secretary of State and before the plan has been adopted by the . . . F2 planning authority, the Secretary of State may direct that the plan shall not have effect unless approved by him.
F94
Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under subsection (3) of this section, the planning authority shall submit the plan accordingly to him for his approval, and—
a
the Secretary of State may, after considering the plan, either approve it (in whole or in part and with or without modifications or reservations) or reject it;
b
in considering the plan, the Secretary of State may take into account any matters which he thinks are relevant, whether or not they were taken into account in the plan as submitted to him;
c
subject to paragraph (d) of this subsection, where on taking the plan into consideration the Secretary of State does not determine then to reject it, he shall, before determining whether or not to approve it—
i
consider any objections to the plan, so far as they are made in accordance with regulations under this Part of this Act;
ii
afford to any persons whose objections so made are not withdrawn an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by him for the purpose; and
iii
if a local inquiry or other hearing is held, also afford the like opportunity to the authority and such other persons as he thinks fit;
d
before deciding whether or not to approve the plan the Secretary of State shall consider any objections thereto which have been considered by the authority, but he shall not be obliged to cause an inquiry or other hearing to be held into the plan if any such inquiry or hearing has already been held at the instance of the authority;
e
without prejudice to paragraph (c) of this subsection, on considering the plan the Secretary of State may consult with, or consider the views of, any planning authority or other persons, but shall not be under an obligation to consult with, or consider the views of, any other authority or persons, or except as provided by that paragraph, to afford an opportunity for the making of any objections or other representations, or to cause any local inquiry or other hearing to be held; and
f
after the giving of the direction the authority shall have no further power or duty to hold a local inquiry or other hearing under section 11 of this Act in connection with the plan.
Pt. II amended by Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65), s. 174(1)