National Planning Policy Framework

Planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which

(c) enable and support healthy lifestyles, especially where this would address identified local health and well-being needs - for example through the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure, sports facilities, local shops, access to healthier food, allotments and layouts that encourage walking and cycling.

Para 104

Planning policies and decisions should protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.

Para 89

Planning policies and decisions should recognise that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, and in locations that are not well served by public transport. In these circumstances it will be important to ensure that development is sensitive to its surroundings, does not have an unacceptable impact on local roads and exploits any opportunities to make a location more sustainable (for example by improving the scope for access on foot, by cycling or by public transport). The use of previously developed land, and sites that are physically well-related to existing settlements, should be encouraged where suitable opportunities exist.

Local Plans

• local plan
• site allocations
• policies map
• neighbourhood plans

Familiarise yourself with where your councils or LPAs are in the process

• Email key players and say you want to be involved
• Ask to be put on the consultation database
• Keep an eye on LPA's local plan web pages and or send regular emails asking for updates
• Sign up to any local plan newsletters

Key people at the LPA:

• Councillors and committees
• Planning officers

Contributors and Stakeholders

• Developers and landowners
• Key stakeholders (EA, NE, highway authorities)
• Town and parish councils
• BHS access officers and volunteers
• Local access forum
• Rights of way officers
• Other user groups - ramblers, cycling groups

Local plans are required to be 'evidence based'

• demographic
• housing needs
• environmental - climate change, flooding, renewable energy
• infrastructure - schools, roads, water, power, green infrastructure

Evidence Areas

• green infrastructure plans
• rights of way improvement plans
• local transport plans
• make sure the evidence base covers equestrian use - protect and enhance
• who is producing the evidence, district or county?
• is there an active LAF?
• if the evidence is already there, make sure the planners are aware
• If you have the opportunity, get involved in the production of evidence. If it is already compelte, familiarise yourself with it.

Producing a draft Plan

• commissions and considers evidence
• often uses its previous plan as the starting point
• considers the up to date National Guidance
• speaks to key infrastrcture/utilities providers
• fulfils its duty to co-operate e.g. with neighbouring authorities
• start to formulate draft policies

Reg 18 consultation "Have your say"

• Understand the deaadlines for submission of commo=ents
• on-line consultation or forms?
• fave to face meetings
• consultation events
• stakeholder meetings
• parish meetings
• letter writing and emails - it is ok to write to the LPA with submissions

What to say

• explain the particular requirements of equestrian use and the role of the BHS
• highlight any relavant evidence and provide if necessary
• make any responses focussed, useful and comprehensive
• identify problems/issues with the plan and policies and suggest constructive solutions

Finalising the Plan

One the LPA has considered all the respresentatons made at the previouse consultation (Reg 18) and reviewed its evidence base, it will then finalise the Local Plan.

Successful Policy Provision

e.g. Central Beds policy EE1 green infrastructure, EE11 The river and waterway network, EE12 Public Rights of Way.

Site Allocations

Pre-Submission Consultation (Reg 19)

• The planning inspector will consider all the comments on the plan that are made within the consultatuion period.
• Up to the point of submission, the content of the plan is prepared and controlled by the LPA After submission, the power lies with the Inspector

Examination by a Planning Inspector

Reg 19 to a public Hearing to Adoption could take 6 to 18 months or more.

It is not a speedy or terribly transparent process

Examination is not just the Public Inquiry or Hearing:

• There may be pre-inquiry hearings
• There will be a lot of exchange of documents/letters - before it gets to the inquiry
• Some matters wil be agreed in advance - common ground

Public Hearing Sessions

• If you make formal representations at Reg 19 stage, your comments will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate.
• Comments made at Reg 18 stage will not be forwarded
• Examination in Public

Neighbourhood Planning

• Evidence Based
• Issues and Options Consultation
• Submission Consultation

Do ask Neighbourhood Plans to include a policy saying that support will be given to the contents of theh Rights of Way Improvement Plan in determining planning applications.