RLDP Deposit 2018-2033

6. Monitoring framework Comment

6.1 Purpose and statutory requirement Comment

6.1.1 The Council is required by the Welsh Government to produce an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) to be submitted to the Welsh Government by 31st October each year following adoption of the Plan. This is set out in Section 37 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) Regulations 2005. The AMR will assess the extent to which policies in the RLDP are being achieved and will also incorporate the results of the SEA/SA monitoring. LDP Regulation 37 requires the AMR to identify any policy that is not being implemented and to give the reasons, together with any steps the authority intends to take to secure the implementation of the policy and any intention to revise the RLDP to replace or amend the policy. Comment

6.1.2 Preparation of any plan should never be seen as a once and for all activity. It is essential to check that the plan is being implemented correctly, assess the outcomes that result, and check if these still remain as intended and as currently desired. Monitoring is therefore an important element of the development plan process, providing the basis for the review of the plan, and the preparation of modifications where necessary. Comment

6.1.3 Preparing the monitoring framework should be an ongoing consideration starting from the early stages of the plan preparation. Having an effective monitoring framework is one of the tests of soundness considered by the Inspector during the Examination stage of the RLDP. Not all policies or proposals will need monitoring. The Development Plans Manual states that only those key to delivering the plan strategy and objectives need monitoring. Clear, concise and measurable indicators are needed showing how they relate to the plan strategy. Target should be clear and appropriate. Trigger points should be effective. Comment

6.2 Monitoring indicators Comment

6.2.1 The following indicators are required by LDP Regulation 37 and the Development Plans Manual: Comment

1. Contextual indicators
2. National core indicators
3. Local output indicators
4. SEA/SA indicators

6.2.2 Monitoring indicators will be the primary criteria for measuring the implementation of policies and allocations. Monitoring indicators will also include a target and trigger point for action. Comment

6.2.3 Should trigger points be met or activated, it is important that the LPA understands why the policy or proposal is not being implemented as expected. The AMR process is a key part of this and will suggest the most appropriate action in response. The Development Plans Manual provides the following suggested actions. Comment

• Continue monitoring: development plan policies are being implemented effectively.
   
• Training required: development plan policies are not being implemented as intended and officer or Member training is required.
   
• SPG required: development plan policies are not being implemented as intended and further guidance is required, potentially preparing additional SPG.
   
• Further investigation/research required: development plan policies are not being implemented as intended and further research and/or investigation is required.
   
• Policy review required: development plan policies are not being implemented and are failing to deliver; a review of the specific policy may be required.
   
• Plan review: development plan policies are not being implemented and the plan’s strategy is not being delivered, triggering a formal review in advance of the statutory 4-year review.

6.2.4 A full list of monitoring indicators is included in appendix 7. Comment