Supplementary Plan Examinatons
A service for local planning authorities: Examination of Supplementary Plans
October 2026: We are now engaging in initial discussions with several local planning authorities around their requirements for Supplementary Plan examinations. All of our Supplementary Plan Examiners are former government Planning Inspectors who can be provided on a day rate or fixed fee basis (as with all our examination services).
The examination of a Supplementary Plan is an important stage in bringing a planning document through to adoption. We provide an experienced independent examiner to manage the examination fairly, efficiently and in accordance with the applicable statutory framework.
We will work constructively with planning policy teams and their advisers while maintaining the independence required of the examination process.
Our service is designed for councils and built around the realities of local planning. We understand that an examination sits within a wider programme of plan preparation, consultation, committee decisions and statutory deadlines.
Our approach
Independent does not have to mean remote. Effective examination depends on independence, but also on clear communication. We aim to provide the authority with certainty about what is required while preserving the examiner's independent judgement.
The objective is a properly conducted examination that gives the authority, participants and other interested parties confidence that the relevant issues have been considered fairly and thoroughly. You can expect:
- Early clarification of the scope and procedural requirements of the examination.
- Clear communication of key examination stages and deadlines.
- Focused consideration of representations and evidence.
- Hearings - only where necessary - to explore unresolved matters.
- A clear, reasoned independent report and recommendations.
Contact us to discuss your Supplementary Plan, programme and anticipated examination requirements. We can discuss the service you require, availability of IPe Examiners (all former Planning Inspectors) potential fees (including fixed fee options) and practical arrangements.
