4 THE AREA ACTION PLAN PROCESS

THE STEPS

4.1 As a statutory Development Plan Document, the AAP is being prepared in accordance with regulations set by Central Government. The process and the proposed time scale are set out below:

• Issues and options consultation: September - October 2009
• Further consultation on options: August - November 2010
• Pre-submission consultation: May - June 2011
• Submission to the Secretary of State: July 2011
• Examination in Public and adoption: November 2011
• Adoption: May 2012

4.2 The first stage in the process above is the culmination of a period of research and analysis that has involved evidence gathering and working with key stakeholders within the AAP area.

4.3 We are at the stage of seeking your views on the Issues and Options report to feed into future work. There will be further community involvement at later stages as outlined above.

(1) SENDING IN YOUR VIEWS

4.4 The feedback received from this Issues and Options draft will play an important role in the development of the Rochford Area Action Plan.

4.5 An online facility has been created that enables comments to be submitted quickly and easily, as well as providing the respondent with instant confirmation of receipt. The facility can be found at the web address below:

http://rochford.jdi-consult.net/ldf/

We recognise that not everyone has access to the Internet and that it is important that no one is excluded from participating. If you wish to submit your views but are unable to do so online, please telephone Planning Policy on 01702 318191.

The consultation period at this stage will last until midnight on Monday, 30 November 2009. Please ensure that any comments that you have on the document are received before this time.