Test of Soundness

The purpose of the Public Examination is to consider whether the Strategy is 'sound' - in other words ' fit for purpose'.  To be sound the Strategy must pass nine 'Tests of Soundness' defined by Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12).

The consultation on submission of the Strategy to Government asked whether this was the case and responses (or representations) to this question have been received and are shown in the Consultation Summary (PDF, 1397KB) and Errata Sheet.

Those persons that considered the Strategy to be 'unsound' have made representations explaining their views and in most cases have made suggestions as to how the Strategy can be made 'sound'. This may be either by a change in the proposed policy wording and/or inclusion or deletion of a policy. The Planning Inspector will consider these representations during the Public Examination.

A self assessment of soundness (PDF, 506KB) describing the nine tests was completed at the time of submission by the Minerals and Waste Planning Authorities.

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