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• Circular 02/02 (DTLR): Planning inquiries into major infrastructure projects

Planning, building and the environment

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Summary

This Circular explains the new procedures for handling major infrastructure project inquiries in England, which came into force on 7 June 2002.

The new procedures are part of the package of measures announced by the Secretary of State on 20 July 2001 with the object of streamlining the processing of major infrastructure projects.

The new inquiry procedures aim to reduce unnecessary delays while giving adequate opportunity for people to have their say. The new arrangements will be monitored over a five-year period.

The Circular highlights the main ways in which inquiries are operated for called-in planning applications under Section 77 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and for appeals under Section 78.

The key changes are:

• the use of round table sessions to agree facts and narrow areas of disagreement
  stricter timetabling
• introduction of independent technical advisers
• mediation to be permitted before and during an inquiry to narrow down the issues
• the Inspector to limit cross-examination when the inquiry timetable is at risk
• freedom for the Inspector to appoint a programme manager

An annex details the rules covering definition of a major infrastructure project, registers of participants, procedures for pre-inquiry and other meetings, and representation and documentation at the inquiry. Various procedural details and post-inquiry matters are also covered.

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