1.1      This schedule sets out all the Proposed Main Modifications to the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Pre-Submission version as amended (as submitted, December 2012) [known as SUB04].  The Proposed Main Modifications have been approved by the Joint Strategic Planning Committee and are being published for representations.

1.2      The Proposed Main Modifications have been made in response to the changes identified before/ during/ after the Examination Hearings in April and May 2013 and additional further modifications which have resulted from the Objectively Assessed Housing Needs assessment and the Sustainability Appraisal /Strategic Environmental Assessment Addendum work.

1.3      The Proposed Main Modifications shown are further changes to the Tracked Changes version of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Pre-Submission version as amended by Proposed Changes [SUB04].

1.4      New text is underlined. Text to be deleted is shown as struck through. Text to be added or deleted as part of these further changes is shown as italicised text.

1.5      Representations are now invited on the Proposed Main Modifications to the Joint Core Strategy and all representations must be received by 5 pm on 25 February 2014.  

1.6      At this stage of the Joint Core Strategy only representations that relate to the Proposed Main Modifications can be accepted. Representations that relate to parts of the Strategy unaffected by the Proposed Main Modifications will not be accepted as this is not an opportunity to reconsider the Joint Core Strategy in its entirety.

1.7      As with the Pre-Submission consultation stage of the Joint Core Strategy the Proposed Main Modifications consultation is also a formal stage of consultation.  We are therefore only able to accept representations about whether the Proposed Main Modifications to the Joint Core Strategy are ‘legally compliant’ and/or ‘sound’. The tests of ’soundness’ are set out in law.

1.8      The tests of soundness are:

• Positively prepared – the plan should be prepared based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable  to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development;
• Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence;
• Effective – the plan should be deliverable over its period and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities: and  
• Consistent with national policy – the plan should enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the Framework.

1.9      There is a representation form available which you will need to make your representations. [N.B. This form is not required for those submitting responses online]  The representation from is accompanied by Guidance Notes. There is no need to repeat any comments that you have made to previous consultations as they will have already been considered. The forms are available on our website and at Council Offices and local libraries (normal office and opening times) throughout the West Northamptonshire area.