Find out about the proposed Grimston, Pott Row, Roydon and Congham neighbourhood plan
The parishes of Grimston, Roydon and Congham are made up of four rural communities:
- Grimston
- Pott Row
- Roydon
- Congham
Due to the physical proximity of these settlements and sharing of services and facilities, the three Parish Councils have decided to prepare a single Neighbourhood Plan covering the three parish areas. Grimston Parish Council (on behalf of Roydon and Congham Parish Councils) was appointed statutory Qualifying Body for the Neighbourhood Plan.
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Neighbourhood Plan examination
In June 2023, the Borough Council, in agreement with Grimston Parish Council (Qualifying Body) appointed Ann Skippers to examine the Grimston, Pott Row, Roydon and Congham Neighbourhood Plan. The examination will test whether the Neighbourhood Plan fulfils the basic conditions, 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
The Examiner formally started the examination in August 2023, after the end of the Regulation 16 consultation (18 August 2023). During the consultation, 13 responses were received, making a total of 24 separate comments. These may be viewed through our online portal.
The Examiner has produced the following documents, to guide and direct the examination, as follows:
- Questions of Clarification and Note of Interim Findings from the Examiner to the Qualifying Body (QB) and the Borough Council (16 September 2023)
- Examination Note – explaining the examination procedure
The Examiner raised concerns that the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening process undertaken during the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan was insufficiently transparent and robust, with reference to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Accordingly, she has requested that we re-consult Natural England, with reference to the HRA process. We have duly consulted Natural England, requesting their feedback by 20 October 2023. It is possible that this may entail broader consultation which (if necessary) will be undertaken during November/ December 2023.
Further documentation will be added to this page in due course, as the Examination progresses.
Previous stages
Submission of Plan Regulation 15/ Regulation 16 consultation
Grimston Parish Council submitted the Grimston, Pott Row, Roydon & Congham Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2036 to the Borough Council on 31 March 2023, in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 15. We have reviewed the submitted documentation and can confirm this meets the requirements of Regulation 15 (Legal check letter).
An initial 6-weeks consultation, under Regulation 16, ran from 19 May - 30 June 2023 (inclusive). This was later extended to Friday, 18 August 2023. Representations received during the consultation may be viewed through our online portal, once these have been processed.
The Neighbourhood Plan and other documents, submitted under Regulation 15, are available below.
- Grimston, Pott Row, Roydon & Congham Neighbourhood Plan
- Basic Conditions Statement
- Consultation Statement
- Screening SEA-HRA October 2021
Supporting documents
Character Assessments:
- Grimston Character Assessment (March 2023)
- Pott Row Character Assessment (March 2023)
- Roydon Character Assessment (March 2023)
- Congham Character Assessment (March 2023)
Full details about the Regulation 16 consultation (including the basic conditions) are set out in the statutory Public Notice.
Regulation 14 (pre-submission consultation)
The draft Grimston, Pott Row, Roydon & Congham Neighbourhood Plan was consulted upon by the Parish Council between 15 August – 7 October 2022, inclusive, under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, Regulation 14.
More information is available on the Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Planning web page.