Out-Law News 1 min. read

Examiner recommends Exeter Neighbourhood Plan referendum


An independent examiner appointed by Exeter City Council has recommended that the St James Exeter Neighbourhood Plan is submitted for a referendum, subject to minor changes. 

The inspector said in his report (16-page / 1.11MB PDF) that the plan should be submitted to a referendum with amendments including a definition of the plan period and a number of minor changes to wording.

The Neighbourhood Plan (38-page / 4.29MB PDF) has been prepared by the Exeter St James Forum and sets out a vision for the St James area, which is located between the City Centre and the University of Exeter.

The Forum said that its aims with the plans include setting out a "clear vision" for the area, to support the Council's desire to restrict homes in multiple occupation (HMO) developments and to encourage the "right development in the right place".

The plan says that it seeks to "take advantage of the continuing success of Exeter" which it says is bringing prosperity and jobs to the City.

"Changes in planning rules which remove the right to convert local houses to HMO in parts of St James need to be accompanied by a joined up plan to regenerate the area," the plan says. "The Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by members of the community to guide future changes to create a balanced and vibrant community."

The St James plan is the second neighbourhood plan in the country to be recommended for referendum, following the recommendation for referendum for the Upper Eden Neighbourhood Plan in December and approval by Eden District Council last month. The referendum will be held in March.

Exeter City Council's executive will consider a report on the St James plan on 19 March and set out the procedures for the referendum. The Forum said in a statement it hopes the referendum can take place on 2 May. 

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