Too many restrictions on BLP comments

The RBWM council now tells us our Borough Local Plan comments are to be confined to whether or not the plan is legally compliant (including duty to cooperate) and whether it has met the tests of soundness (being positively prepared – being based on a strategy that aims to meet objectively assessed needs for development and infrastructure

Other criteria we are told we can comment on are that it is justified (being the most appropriate strategy); effective – being deliverable over the plan period based on effective joint working; and consistent with national policy - enabling the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the national planning policy framework (NPPF).

How do we know the answers to these questions?

Legally Compliant? Are we all lawyers?

Positively prepared? It is not specific about infrastructure, and does not deal well with the need for infrastructure improvement.

Justified? RBWM could put up more of a fight against central government saying infrastructure does not support accommodating more people.

Effective? Without improved infrastructure it will not be deliverable in a good manner.

Consistent with national policy? The NPPF is more in favour of greenbelt than is expressed in the plan.

I believe RBWM is wrong in attempting to limit our responses, and in doing so it is contravening its own rules. I believe there is no limit to what we can comment on.

For those who have commented before, I recommend they look at their previous comments and see if they have been incorporated. If not, make the same objections again.

For those who have not previously commented – look at the plan and comment as you wish.

No-one should waste their time commenting on the points RBWM tells us to focus on.

Andrew Cormie

Holyport Road

Maidenhead