Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation

Closes 24 Apr 2026

Policy SP25: Infrastructure

Main Modification Reference MM-46

Local Plan page number Policy or paragraph Local Plan Proposed Change Justification
150 Policy SP25: Criterion 2 Ensuring that development provides or contributes towards the provision of measures to directly mitigate the impacts of the development and make it acceptable in planning terms and contribute towards the delivery of essential infrastructure identified in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, subject to it being fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. This will include the mitigation of cross-boundary impacts, where relevant. [added]

Effective

Consistent with national policy

150 Policy SP25: Criterion 6 The timing and prioritisation in the delivery of essential infrastructure will accord with the priority needs established through the Infrastructure Delivery Plan however, the exact timing of any required transport infrastructure will be identified through the Transport Assessment and Travel Plan process at the planning application stage. [added] Effective
150 Policy SP25: supporting text paragraph 14.8

Some developments will have cross-boundary impacts, and it is important that these are mitigated, subject to them being robustly evidenced. [added]

Effective

 

What to consider when making a representation

What are the tests of soundness and legal compliance?  

The purpose of the examination is to consider whether the local plan complies with relevant legal requirements for producing local plans, including the duty to cooperate, and meets the national tests of ‘soundness’ for local plans set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Therefore, representations submitted at this stage must only be made on these grounds and, where relevant, be supported with evidence to demonstrate why these tests have not been met.

Legal compliance

To be legally compliant the plan has to be prepared in accordance with the duty to cooperate and legal and procedural requirements, including the 2011 Localism Act and Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended).

Soundness

The inspector conducting the examination in public has to be satisfied that the local plan is ‘sound’; namely that it is:

• 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 NPPF.

216. Does this modification make the Plan legally compliant?
217. Does this modification make the Plan sound?
218. If you think it is not sound tell us which test(s) it fails.
219. Please provide a justification for your responses. If you need to submit material in PDF format then please email this to local.plan@southtyneside.gov.uk making sure your name is clearly stated.
220. What appropriate change is needed? If you think the wording should be different set out the precise change you want the Inspector to recommend.