Appendix 2: Tests of Soundness

The revised Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) presents 3 tests of soundness for a DPD:

1. Whether it is justified,

2. Whether it is effective, and

3. Whether it is consistent with national policy.

The 3 tests of soundness are coupled with the continuing requirement that the Inspector checks that the DPD satisfies the legal procedural requirements.

Soundness

PPS12 states that to be sound a Development Plan Document (DPD) should be:

i. Justified.

ii. Effective.

iii. Consistent with national policy.

(i) Justified

PPS12 provides that to be ‘justified’ a DPD needs to be:

• founded on a robust and credible evidence base involving:

i. evidence of participation of the local community and others having a stake in the area;

ii. research/fact finding – the choices made in the plan are backed up by facts.

• the most appropriate strategy when considered against reasonable alternatives

(ii) Effective

PPS12 states that core strategies and (DPD's) should be effective. This means:

• Deliverable – embracing: 
• Sound infrastructure delivery planning. 
• Having no regulatory or national planning barriers to delivery. 
• Delivery partners who are signed up to it. 
• Coherence with the strategies of neighbouring authorities. 
• Flexible.

• Able to be monitored.

(iii) National Policy

The DPD should be consistent with national policy. Where there is a departure, Local Planning A uthorities must provide clear and convincing reasoning to justify their approach.

Full details at web link:

http://www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/local_dev/ldf_testing_soundness.pdf