Your last chance to comment on the Draft Local Plan

The council is inviting comments on the Plan until 6 September. The consultation period reflects a timetable set by Government, with the Plan required to be submitted by the end of the year. At this stage representations need to focus on whether the Plan is legally compliant and meets the tests of soundness, rather than raising new issues or seeking further changes.

The consultation will also ask if you would like to participate in the examination hearing sessions.

After the consultation

Once the consultation closes, we will review all comments received and respond to these.

Subject to approval by Full Council, the Draft Local Plan, supporting evidence and consultation responses will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination by the end of the year.

An independent Planning Inspector will assess whether the Local Plan is legally compliant and sound, taking into account the comments submitted during this consultation.

After examination

Following the examination, the Inspector will publish a report identifying whether any changes are required.

These changes will be incorporated into the Plan before it is presented to Council for adoption as Buckinghamshire's new Local Plan.

Once adopted, it will guide planning decisions across Buckinghamshire.