Tests of Soundness

The following notes refer to Tests of Soundness applied to the Swindon Central Area Action Plan - Submission Paper.

Following this final stage of consultation on the Central Area Action Plan, an examination will be held by an independent Planning Inspector.

The Government has set out nine tests that the Swindon Central Area Action Plan should meet if it is to be ‘sound’. This means that those who wish to make a representation seeking a change to the Central Area Action Plan will need to show how the Plan is unsound and what needs to be done to make it sound. Each of these nine tests of soundness will be considered by the Government-appointed Inspector at the independent examination.

The soundness tests fall into three categories:

• Procedural tests
• Conformity tests
• Coherence, consistency and effectiveness tests

Procedural Tests

1. The Central Area Action Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Local Development Scheme.

2. The Central Area Action Plan has been prepared in compliance with the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), or with the minimum requirements set out in the regulations where no SCI exists.

3. The Central Area Action Plan and its policies have been subjected to Sustainability Appraisal.

Conformity Tests

4. It is a spatial plan which is consistent with national planning policy and in general conformity with the Regional Spatial Strategy, and it has properly had regard to any other relevant plans, policies and strategies relating to the area or to adjoining areas.

5. It has had regard to the Swindon Community Strategy.

Coherence, Consistency and Effectiveness Tests

6. The strategies/policies/allocations in the Central Area Action Plan are coherent and consistent within and between Development Plan Documents prepared by the authority and by neighbouring authorities, where cross-boundary issues are relevant.

7. The strategies/policies/allocations represent the most appropriate in all the circumstances, having considered the relevant alternatives, and they are founded on a robust and credible evidence base.

8. There are clear mechanisms for implementation and monitoring.

9. It is reasonably flexible to enable it to deal with changing circumstances.