The independent examiner inspecting the Wantage Neighbourhood Plan has recommended that the plan shouldn’t proceed to a referendum. In his report, which has been published on Vale of White Horse District Council’s website, the examiner explained that in his view the plan doesn’t meet the necessary ‘basic conditions’ as set out in the Localism Act. The examiner recommends that whilst a number of policies would meet the basic conditions in the draft neighbourhood plan, many weren’t backed up by sufficient evidence. The district council has already made a number of recommendations based on the inspector’s findings, and is now working closely with the town council to revise the plan so it should meet the basic conditions next time it’s submitted. Cllr Roger Cox, cabinet member for Planning at the Vale, said: “We have already made some positive progress with Wantage Town Council to agree a way forward to bring their plan up to speed. As so much good work has already gone into the plan, we see no reason why the plan cannot be resubmitted soon. Everybody is aware of the growth happening in and around Wantage, so it is important the town council puts a good, robust plan in place with the support of its residents.” Cllr Steve Trinder, Mayor of Wantage, said: "Two years ago the Town Council set out with the help of community volunteers to formulate a Neighbourhood Plan that would benefit and protect Wantage in the long term. My thanks go to all involved for their hard work so far, and whilst we are mindful of the Inspector’s report, we will work with our District Council colleagues to get this project finished."