Decision details

That the Leckhampton with Warden Hill Neighbourhood Plan progresses to examination

The Leckhampton with Warden Hill Neighbourhood Plan is being produced by Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council. All of the consultation requirements under Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations (2012) as amended were undertaken by the Parish Council and all the required documentation was submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council under Regulation 15.

The submitted documents were publicised by Cheltenham Borough Council for a six-week period from 29 January 2024 to 12 March 2024 and representations (comments) invited. Representations were received during that period. Following the end of the consultation period, a report was taken to Cheltenham Borough Council’s Council meeting on 18 March 2024 to seek approval that the Plan could progress to independent examination. Approval was given at that meeting.

Following the Council meeting, the Parish Council proposed a number of amendments to the Plan. These amendments reflected a number of changes since the draft Plan was submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council. As a result of these changes, an additional consultation took place from 14 March 2025 until 11.59pm on 30 May 2025. Further representations were received during this period.

Cheltenham Borough Council recently (25 March 2025) revised its neighbourhood planning protocol. This revised protocol included updating how decisions relating to the different stages of neighbourhood planning would be undertaken by the Council. This protocol sets out that it is for the Director of Community & Economic Development in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control to decide whether the Plan should be submitted to an independent examiner for examination.
Whilst various changes have been made to the Plan, it is considered that the table contained with the Council Report dated 18 March 2024 still stands true in that the Plan meets the various legal requirements.

In light of the above the various documents, including the original and amended Plan as well as the representations received, now need to be sent onto the independent examiner. The examiner will then assess whether the Plan meets certain basic conditions and requirements set out in statute.

Neighbourhood Plans have to be examined by an independent examiner in order that they can be progressed. Therefore, there is no alternative option.

The Neighbourhood Plan has already been consulted on as set out in this decision form. Copies of the representations that have been made must be sent onto the independent examiner. This decision has been agreed with the relevant Cabinet member (Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control.