Next steps
The timetable for receiving feedback from the Inspector is currently unknown. Verbal indications from the Planning Inspector overseeing the process in the closing part of the hearing sessions on 28 November 2019, indicated that the Council should expect to hear back from him in the “…first couple of months…” of 2020, but no fixed date was given. The Planning Inspector has since confirmed, via the Programme Officer, that he is continuing to prepare his post-hearing response to the Council and will issue this in due course. We will publish his response on the website when it is received.
The initial conclusions could take the form of either a letter or a report, but the Inspector has not specified which approach he will take. Regardless of the format, the initial conclusions will provide the Council with an indication about whether the plan can be found sound and to what extent. It is anticipated his response will include the Inspector's view on the inclusion of South Godstone Garden Community.
The Inspector is also likely to set out steps which the Council should take ie preparing modifications, undertaking consultation and if there are any areas that require further work. The Council will need to engage with the Inspector on his recommendations and proposed modifications which he judges to be necessary to ensure the Plan is ‘Sound’. This engagement will be at his discretion and via the programme officer.