At the inquiry

If you want to speak at the inquiry, it is important that you are there when it opens because this is when the Inspector will tell everyone about the timetable.

At the inquiry opening, the Inspector will go through some routine matters, including asking who will be taking part in the inquiry. This is often called ‘taking the appearances’. When the appellant and the LPA have given their details, the Inspector will ask if anyone else wants to speak. At this stage, you should only give your name and address, and say whether you are for or against the proposal.

The Inspector will then usually give an outline of what will happen at the inquiry. The LPA will usually begin by making an opening statement. Their witnesses will then give their evidence and the appellant can cross-examine (question) them. The appellant will then call their witnesses, and the LPA can cross-examine them.