THE Cuddington Neighbourhood Plan has entered the next phase

The examiner’s report is used to determine whether the plan is ready to proceed to the referendum stage.

Bob Yuille, the independent examiner, said: “I recommend that the plan, once modified, proceeds to referendum on the basis that it has met all the relevant legal requirements.

“I have considered whether the referendum area should extend beyond the designated area to which the plan relates and have concluded that it should not.

“Preparing a neighbourhood plan is an exacting and onerous task involving identifying clear policy aims; the collection and collation of evidence; formulating policies which meet the Basic Conditions; consulting on those policies; and surviving the shot and shell of the examination process.

“The Parish Council, and the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group in particular, are to be congratulated on performing these various tasks in such a focussed and competent manner.”

The Plan was put together by a Steering Group, made up of 11 volunteers, including two members of the Parish Council.

Speaking to The Guardian in April, John Kerrigan, the chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “The policies in the Cuddington Neighbourhood Plan have been developed through extensive consultation with the local residents, who are best placed to understand their needs in terms of future housing requirements and supporting services.”

Bob Yuille added: “Drawing together my findings on this main issue, I am satisfied that in their modified form the policies in the Plan have regard to national policy and guidance, are in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan and allow for a suitable contribution to be made to sustainable development. These policies, therefore, meet the Basic Conditions.”