COTSWOLD Local Plan independent examination hearings are to begin on Tuesday, (October 10), and are open to the public.

The scheduled dates are as follows:

  • Tuesday, October 10 – Thursday, October 12
  • Tuesday, October 17 – Thursday, October 19
  • Tuesday, November 14 – Thursday, November 16
  • Tuesday, November 21 – Thursday, November 23

Wednesday, November 22 and Thursday, November 23 are also currently reserved for matters not completed earlier.

Independent examiner William Fieldhouse BA MA MRTPI has been appointed to carry the examination process, with hearings to run from 9.30am-1pm and then 2pm-5pm at CDC offices on Trinity Road.

As they are public events, anyone is entitled to attend the sessions in order to observe.

However, CDC asks that anyone wishing to attend should notify programme officer Tracey Smith on 07989 582577 or tracey.smith@cotswold.gov.uk in advance, indicating which sessions you would like to attend as an observer.

Only those who have made representations seeking changes to the plan, or the focussed changes, have the legal right to appear before, and be heard by, the inspector.

CDC have said it is important to stress that written representations carry the same weight as those made orally at a hearing session.

This means that participation at a hearing session is only necessary if you have specific points that you wish to make in response to a particular matter.

Further information is available at: /residents/planning-building/planning-policy/emerging-local-plan/local-plan-examination/

A separate, brief, examination will deal with the Community Infrastructure Levy draft charging schedule on December 5.