SDS consultation letter template

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Letter

[Your name]
[Your address and postcode]
[Email]
[Date]

SDS consultation
[Name of strategic planning authority]
[Consultation email or postal address from the notice]

Dear SDS team,

Representation on [title of draft SDS], dated [date], consultation closing [date].

I am writing as a [resident of / parish council for / group in] [place]. This representation is about [policy / paragraph / map reference].

1. The change I want

I ask that the draft SDS [state the change in one sentence: for example, "does not identify [area] as a broad location for growth" / "reconsiders the housing apportionment to [council]" / "identifies the missing strategic infrastructure for [topic]"].

2. Why

The draft says [quote or paraphrase the relevant sentence].

That is not justified because [evidence: published document, missing reasonable alternative, catchment constraint, cross-boundary effect]. I attach / link [document names].

I understand that an SDS may identify broad locations and housing distribution, and that it must not allocate a particular site. I am not asking the SDS to allocate or refuse [site name]. I am asking it to get the strategic frame right.

3. Alternatives the draft should compare

The appraisal should compare at least [describe one other reasonable spatial option] against the preferred option on [water / transport / habitats / other receptor]. I cannot see that comparison in [chapter or appendix].

4. Contact

Please acknowledge this representation and give me a reference number. I [do / do not] wish to be notified of submission and of the examination.

Yours faithfully,
[Name]

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Notes for the writer (do not send these):

• One issue per letter is clearer than five.
• If you care about a named site, say so only to explain why the broad location is wrong or incomplete.
• Read how to respond before you post.