Plan Preparation Programme

In May 1997 Bridgend County Borough Council resolved to commence work on the preparation of a Unitary Development Plan. At the outset, a Programme Report was produced which outlined an indicative timetable for the UDP’s preparation.

Between November 1997 and April 1998 thirteen Issues Papers were produced and widely circulated. The Issues Papers identified the key topics to be dealt with in the UDP and they examined national and international trends likely to impact upon Bridgend County Borough.

As a result of this exercise, Bridgend County Borough Council approved a Land Use Strategy in April 1998 which outlined some very broad principles to be followed in the UDP. The Land Use Strategy considered different ways of accommodating change in the area and is an important influence on the Deposit Plan.

A Consultation Draft version of the UDP, was prepared in July 2000 and was subject to a comprehensive consultation and public participation process over the following 3 month period, ending on 29 September 2000. Exhibitions, seminars and public meetings were held at 8 separate locations throughout the County Borough, and an advisory leaflet was distributed to every household. Over 1700 responses were received and were collated.

As a result, certain modifications were made and the UDP was placed on formal Deposit from 24 May 2001

The Deposit Plan was available to view at every Public Library in the County Borough and at the Civic Offices in Bridgend. It can still be purchased for £50 from the Planning Department at the Civic Offices. A suite of ancillary documents is also available.

The UDP remained on deposit for a 6-week period until 4.30pm on 6 July 2001. During that time, formal objections and representations were made in writing on Comment Forms which were available from every deposit location. Completed forms had to be sent to

Mr. M. J. Hooker, Assistant Director Planning, Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, BRIDGEND, CF31 4WB

Any Comment Forms received after this date were not considered.

Every effort was made to resolve duly-made objections, but the Council still deemed it necessary to subject the UDP to a Public Inquiry held before an independent Inspectorappointed by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Prior to the opening of the Inquiry on 23 April 2002, the Council published proposed Pre-Inquiry Modifications in December 2001. These were also subject to a six-week formal consultation period which resulted in a further number of objections which were also heard at Inquiry.

The Inquiry sat in formal session until 22 July, after which it was adjourned for the Council to complete its responses to the remaining written representations. The Inquiry was formally closed on 10 December 2002.

The Inspector will now report to the Council with proposed modifications. The authority may take on board her recommendations and the plan may be modified further. Any changes to the plan would have to be advertised at this stage and representations may be made in respect of these changes.

A preliminary indication is that her Report might be produced as early as March 2003.

If after this process is completed there are no unresolved objections to the UDP the Council may then adopt the plan

Any Comment Forms received after this date were not considered.

Every effort was made to resolve duly-made objections, but the Council still deemed it necessary to subject the UDP to a Public Inquiry held before an independent Inspectorappointed by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Prior to the opening of the Inquiry on 23 April 2002, the Council published proposed Pre-Inquiry Modifications in December 2001. These were also subject to a six-week formal consultation period which resulted in a further number of objections which were also heard at Inquiry.

The Inquiry sat in formal session until 22 July, after which it was adjourned for the Council to complete its responses to the remaining written representations. The formal close will be advertised at least 2 weeks in advance.

Following the formal close of the Public Inquiry, the Inspector will report to the Council with proposed modifications. The authority may take on board her recommendations and the plan may be modified further. Any changes to the plan would have to be advertised at this stage and representations may be made in respect of these changes.

If after this process is completed there are no unresolved objections to the UDP the Council may then adopt the plan.