1. Planning
2. Appeals
3. Inquiries
4. Conduct of Inquiries

Conduct of Inquiries

Should advocates sit or stand?

Whether advocates should sit or stand at inquiries when

• addressing the Inspector to make opening or closing submissions;
• making applications for rulings or costs;
• intervening during another party's case;
• taking their own witness through unread oral evidence;
• re-examining their own witness;
• cross-examining another party's witness

is a matter for the Inspector to decide and the issue will be raised during his/her opening announcement. In inquiries where there is a great deal of public interest it may be hard for interested people to see what is going on, or to identify who is speaking, and it may help them follow the proceedings if advocates stand when making their opening and closing addresses and also when they are cross-examined and re-examined. The Inspector will generally ask witnesses and third parties to sit at the witness table.

Inquiry Venue and Facilities Guidance Note

Read our guidance on the provision of a venue and facilities for inquiries and hearings (PDF).

Local Planning Authorities should check that Inquiry and Hearing venues provide suitable disabled access. The form below has been designed to help LPAs make an assessment. Completed forms should be sent to HR.Diversity@pins.gsi.gov.uk or posted to

4/20 Hawk Wing  
Temple Quay House      
2 The Square   
Temple Quay    
Bristol BS1 6PN

Attendance Sheet PDF

LPA venue Questionnnaire PDF

Guide to taking part in Planning appeals proceeding by an inquiry PDF

Guide to taking part in Enforcement appeals proceeding by an inquiry PDF