Part 2Local development

F1Examination of plans

15DAPause of independent examination for further work

(1)

This section applies if the examiner decides under section 15D(7) that the examination under that section is to be paused under this section for further work to be carried out.

(2)

The examiner must notify the local planning authority and the Secretary of State—

(a)

that the examiner has taken that decision,

(b)

of the matters which the examiner considers need to be dealt with in order for it to become reasonable to conclude that the local plan is sound, and

(c)

of the period for which the examination under section 15D is to be paused under this section (“the pause period”).

(3)

The pause period may not—

(a)

begin earlier than the day on which notice is given to the local planning authority under subsection (2), nor

(b)

be longer than such period as may be prescribed

(4)

The examination under section 15D is suspended at the beginning of the pause period.

(5)

During the pause period, the local planning authority must take steps to deal with the matters notified to them under subsection (2)(b).

(6)

Before the end of the pause period, the local planning authority must send to the examiner—

(a)

a document—

(i)

setting out what the authority have done during the pause period to deal with the matters notified to them under subsection (2)(b), and

(ii)

setting out any modifications to the local plan that the authority propose to make in order to make it sound or stating that the authority do not propose to make any such modifications, and

(b)

any further evidence as to the soundness of the plan which the local planning authority may have.

(7)

The local planning authority must publish the document and any evidence sent under subsection (6).

(8)

If the examiner considers, at the end of the pause period, that the matters notified to the local planning authority under subsection (2)(b) have not been dealt with, with the result that there is no prospect of it becoming reasonable to conclude that the local plan is sound, the examiner must—

(a)

recommend that the local plan is withdrawn, and

(b)

give reasons for the recommendation.

(9)

If the examiner does not make a recommendation under subsection (8), the examination under section 15D is resumed.

(10)

The local planning authority must publish any recommendation and reasons they receive under this section.