Adrian Fisher

Head of Strategic & Economic Planning

Cheshire East Council
Our Ref: PINS/R0660/429/3
Date: 22 October 2014

Programme Officer: 07582 310364
e-mail: Kerry.Trueman@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Dear Mr Fisher

EXAMINATION OF THE CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL PLAN STRATEGY

1. Following the close of the hearing sessions on Friday 3 October 2014, I confirmed that
I would let the Council know about the future progress of the examination.
2. As you know, I adjourned the hearing sessions of the examination, with the Councils
agreement, in order to consider the future arrangements for resuming the hearings,
following the need to consider the unexpectedly large volume of statements and
material submitted in connection with Matters 14 & 15 of the examination (Site
Allocations and omission sites). I also needed to consider the various legal
submissions lodged in respect of the legal compliance and soundness of the submitted
plan.
3. Having considered the submitted plan, the representations, submission documents and
background evidence, and the hearing statements, legal submissions, discussions and
further material at the hearing sessions, I consider it would be appropriate to inform
the Council of my interim views on the legal compliance and soundness of the
submitted plan on the basis of the evidence and discussions so far during the
examination before the hearings continue. The Council have confirmed that they
would welcome such an indication from the inspector.
4. Consequently, I expect to inform the Council of my interim views on the legal
compliance and soundness of the submitted plan within the next few weeks, and
before the expected resumption of the examination hearings in early December 2014.
This will include the Duty to Co-operate and Sustainability Appraisal, economic and
housing strategy, objective assessment of housing needs, spatial distribution of
development, Green Belt and Safeguarded Land. However, due to the need for the
Council to fully consider my interim views, it may not be appropriate to resume the
examination hearings as envisaged. It may be necessary to adjourn the hearing
sessions for a longer period, so that the Council can fully consider the implications of
my initial views on the legal compliance and soundness of the submitted plan.
5. In saying this, I am fully aware of the Councils ambition to put an adopted local plan
for Cheshire East in place at the earliest opportunity, and recognise the implications of
any further delays to the examination programme. However, it is equally important for
me to consider the key issues and legal submissions relating to the legal compliance
and soundness of the submitted plan before the examination hearings continue.
6. I will do my best to let you know my interim views as soon as I can.
Yours sincerely

Stephen J Pratt




STEPHEN J PRATT
Development Plan Inspector