Those who expressed their wish to speak at the Public Examination of the Local Plan, MUST CONFIRM THIS BY MONDAY 16th DECEMBER. The note below was sent out by the Programme Officer today..giving very short notice in a busy run-up to the Christmas period. (Please note:The SIN blog home page has more information on the next step..deadline 10th January 2014 http://sidmouthindependentnews.wordpress.com ).

‘Dear Representor

East Devon Local Plan: Examination Programme

I note from my records that you/your organisation have submitted representations on the East Devon Local Plan. As the Programme Officer I am responsible for assisting the Inspector with all aspects concerning the Examination hearings.

The Secretary of State has appointed Mr Anthony Thickett BA (Hons) BTP MRTPI Dip RSA as the Inspector to conduct the Examination which will begin at 10:00 Tuesday 11 February 2014. This public Examination will be held to consider the soundness of the East Devon Local Plan. The Inspector has prepared guidance notes and a first draft programme for the Examination as well as a schedule of matters and issues. These can be viewed on the Programme Officer webpage at http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/progofficer.htm

In order that the programme can be finalised, those representors who indicated that they wish to participate in hearing sessions must confirm with the Programme Officer that they still wish to do so by 16 December 2013. If you do not respond by this date it will be assumed that you are content that your views can be dealt with solely on the basis of written representations. A number of representors failed to indicate their preference. If you did not indicate a preference and wish to participate you must inform me by 16 December 2013.

Any comments on either the timetable or the scope of the matters and issues should be sent to the Programme Officer by 16 December 2013. A final draft timetable and agenda for the hearing sessions will be circulated to all those who have made representations as soon as possible before the first hearing session opens.

Further information on the Local Plan and copies of all representations is available on the Council’s website: http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/lpsubmission.htm . I suggest you visit this website regularly so that you are aware of any new and updated information.

Should anyone have any special needs or require any reasonable adjustments to assist them at the Examination please contact me. A hearing loop system will be in operation in the Council Chamber. Please note there are no refreshment facilities at the Council Offices.

Please contact me should you have any queries regarding the Examination, otherwise I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Kind regards

Amanda Polley
Programme Officer
Telephone 01395 571682
Email: programmeofficer@eastdevon.gov.uk’