DATES for the Independent Examination hearings of the Craven Local Plan HAVE been announced.

The hearings will run over a period of three weeks at Belle Vue Square, Skipton, when the Plan will be examined by planning inspector Matthew Birkinshaw.

Details of the hearing programme have been published today on the council's website including a list of matters, issues and questions (MIQs) posed by the inspector which the council will respond to.

Councillor Richard Foster, Leader of Craven District Council, said: “This Plan sets out how we will deal with important issues in the future including homes, employment, education provision, affordable housing, green space, sporting facilities, urban regeneration, transport, air quality, renewable energy and flooding.

“This independent review will determine whether the Plan is legally compliant and sound.

“The independent Programme Officer, Tony Blackburn, has contacted everyone who made representations on the Publication Local Plan. Those who made representations seeking to make changes to the plan will be able to take part in the hearing sessions.

“Any member of the public is also welcome to come along to the hearings to listen and observe.”

If anyone who has made representations on the Plan feels a question has been omitted from the MIQs, they must contact the programme officer no later than Tuesday, August 28.

Those who have made comments seeking a change to the Plan and who are invited to the hearing sessions may also submit statements in response to the MIQs, however this is optional. All hearing statements must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, September 25..

Only those who have made representations seeking to change the Plan have the right to participate in the hearing sessions. However, the sessions are open for any member of the public to observe.

A final version of the MIQs and Hearing Sessions Programme will be published on the examination website around two weeks before the start of the hearings, if any changes have been made.