Inquiry Procedures

The Planning Inspectorate hold an inquiry if you or the local planning authority (LPA) decide that you can't rely on the written procedure and a site visit, and they have decided that a hearing is unsuitable.

Sometimes The Planning Inspectorate themselves decide that an inquiry is necessary. If they do they will give you reasons for the decision.

They will do the following for all inquiry cases:

• Tell you and the LPA that there will be an inquiry. Their letter will set the starting date and explain what you will have to do.
• Set a date for the inquiry.
• Appoint a suitable Inspector. They might have to transfer the case to another Inspector, sometimes at short notice, but they will tell you about any change.

Appeals that are decided by the inquiry procedure are governed by two sets of rules.

• 'Statutory Instrument 2000 No.1624' applies if the Secretary of State is deciding your appeal.
• 'Statutory Instrument 2000 No.1625' applies if an Inspector is deciding your appeal.

The implementation of these rules is covered in detail by 'Circular 05/2000' from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

In Wales, some of the rules are different. Please refer to the Planning Inspectorate's booklet Making your planning appeal (Wales)