The Plan is close to completion following meetings looking at the ‘soundness’ of the Waste Local Plan during July. A number of modifications have been proposed to ensure the plan is ‘sound’ according to the county council. These modifications need to be formally consulted upon. Representations on these modifications can be made from November 4 until Monday, December 16. The main modifications do not result in a change of direction. However, they are considered necessary to clarify the intentions of the Authorities and to clarify how the Plan and its policies will work. Once the consultation on these is over, the Inspector will consider any representations received alongside the proposed modifications and issue his report. This will set out whether or not the Waste Local Plan is ‘sound’ and can be formally adopted by the authorities next year. The Draft Waste Local Plan sets out a vision to 2031 and seeks to provide sufficient capacity for waste management whilst ensuring that communities, the environment, the economy and the special character of West Sussex are protected. Pieter Montyn, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This is a vitally important document to ensure that the special character of West Sussex is protected. “We therefore need to be certain that it is sound, so we would ask groups and individuals to consider the modifications in relation to their area.” South Downs National Park Authority Planning Committee Chairman Andrew Shaxson said: “We’ve worked closely with West Sussex County Council to get the right tools in place to protect the landscape, environment and communities of the National Park. “It’s vital that we get this right and the modifications to the plan will help to ensure that major waste developments are not located in the protected landscapes of the South Downs National Park.” A consultation summary has been produced to explain changes made to the Plan in response to comments received during the consultation and is available along with the Plan at www.westsussex.gov.uk/mwdf. For further information contact: Strategic Planning (Ref: Waste Local Plan), West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RH; 01243 642118; or mwdf@westsussex.gov.uk. Information is also available at libraries, local council offices, including at the South Downs National Park Authority office in Midhurst, and Help Points in West Sussex.