6 How to get involved

6.1 The information below sets out how the Council could seek to involve people in the Local Plan process. Not all of these methods will be used for each stage of the preparation of the Local Plan and will depend on the nature of the consultation and Council resource available). There may also be unexpected events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, that mean consultation methods have to be tailored to legal requirements and Government guidance. The Council will meet the statutory requirements for the availability of documents at specific stagesThe Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, s35-36 which will also take account of any future changes to Government guidance or legislation. 

6.2 To ensure that we make the most efficient use of the resources available we will make use of existing networks and groups wherever possible. 

6.3 The main methods of community involvement on the Local Plan are: 

• Correspondence (letters/emails): Emails are the main source of correspondence with our consultees, who are registered on our Consultation Database. This includes statutory consultees, relevant general consultees, other relevant stakeholders, individuals and organisations registered on our database who have asked to be kept informed of the local plan. It is the responsibility of consultees to ensure we have up to date contact information. We encourage everyone on the Local Plan consultation database to keep their details updated. Written postal correspondence will be used only where the recipient has no access to email, or where necessary to meet statutory requirements.
• Digital consultation: This may take place using the Council’s online consultation portal and the use of digital engagement tools. It may include online consultation events, meetings or exhibitions depending on the stage of the Plan.
• Local media: We will liaise with the Council’s Communications Team and may use press releases, public notices and/or social media at important stages of the Plan to promote and raise awareness of consultation.
• Publishing documents: Consultation documents available for public inspection on the Council’s website and in line with the 2012 Regulations, as amended. Local residents could also access documents online at the borough’s libraries.
• Council Website: We will share information on the Local Plan, supporting documents and consultations through the Council’s website. This will be the main source of information on the Local Plan. Further information on the Local Plan can be found on the relevant section of the Council’s website at: Cheshire West and Chester - Local Plan
• Newsletters: Occasionally, we may circulate a newsletter to email contacts on our Local Plan database, to raise awareness of a consultation, a specific issue or to signpost to further information.
• Stakeholder and committee meetings (may be virtual): Committee meetings could take the form of meetings held by town/parish councils or dedicated Council committees or panels. These may be held online/virtually. These can be a vital source of local and area or topic specific information. This includes written updates or Briefing Notes provided to groups. 

6.4 Some of these methods may also be used for other planning documents where appropriate, including Supplementary Planning Documents and Neighbourhood Plans. 

Responses to consultations 

6.5 For the Local Plan, consultation responses will be made publicly availableAccessibility. The Council will produce a statement of consultation where required under the regulations describing the consultation that has been carried out. The statement of consultation will set out who was invited to be involved in the plan preparation and how they were invited to be involved. It will provide a summary of the main issues raised and how they have been considered