Information about the neighbourhood plan for Walpole Parish
Latest News
The Examiner issues Examination Note 1
Further to the earlier appointment of an independent examiner for this Neighbourhood Plan, Ann Skippers has now issued Examination Note 1.
This note outlines how the examination will proceed. We will continue to update these pages as the process moves forward.
Neighbourhood Plan Examination
In June 2025, the Borough Council, in agreement with The Walpoles Parish Council (Qualifying Body) appointed Ann Skippers to examine The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan. The examination will test whether the Neighbourhood Plan fulfils the basic conditions and that the Plan:
- Has regard to National Policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State;
- Contributes to the achievement of sustainable development;
- Is in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan in the area;
- Is compatible with European Union (EU) obligations and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); and
- Does not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Once the examination is complete, the independent examiner will issue a report and a decision statement, which will be subject to a fact-checking process before being finalised. This report will set out whether the plan should proceed to referendum, and if any modifications are required.
Previous stages
Submission of Plan Regulation 15/Regulation 16 Consultation
Walpole Parish Council submitted The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan to the council on 13 February 2025 in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 15.
On 7 March 2025 Borough Council issued, the Regulation 15 (Legal Check letter), allowing the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to consultation under Regulation 16.
The Regulation 16 consultation was open from 24 March 2025 to 12 May 2025. All representations in response to the Regulation 16 consultation may be viewed below:
- Environment Agency
- Historic England
- Integrated Care Systems (Norfolk and Waveney)
- Water Management Alliance
- National Gas Transmission
- Norfolk County Council
- National Grid Electricity Transmission
- Norfolk Wildlife Trust
The Neighbourhood Plan and other documents submitted under Regulation 15/16 can be accessed below:
- The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
- The Walpoles NP Consultation Statement
- The Walpoles NP Statement of Basic Conditions
- The Walpoles NP SEA & HRA preliminary screening report
- The Walpoles NP SEA & HRA screening (signed-off)
Supporting documents
- The Walpoles NP Evidence base
- The Walpoles NP Design Guidance and Codes
- The Walpoles NP Housing Needs Assessment
- The Walpoles NP Local Green Space Assessment 2025
Full details about the statutory consultation (including the basic conditions) are set out in the statutory Public Notice.
Regulation 14
The Walpoles Neighbourhood Plan (first draft) was consulted upon by the Parish Council during October – December 2024, under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 14.
The Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Planning web page is available to view.
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