Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, under what circumstances a Government Local Plan Inspector is able to recommend the alteration of a Local Plan; and whether an inspector is able to recommend such an alteration when it will have an effect on the level of housing allocation in a locality.

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 sets out that Inspectors are appointed by the Secretary of State to carry out an independent examination to assess whether a local plan is sound. The National Planning Policy Framework tests of soundness require the plan to be positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy. If the plan does not meet those tests, the Local Planning Authority can request that the Inspector recommends main modifications to make the plan sound. These could cover any matter within the scope of the tests of soundness, which could include the level of housing allocation within the locality. All proposed main modifications are subject to public consultation