We pride ourselves by offering a heritage service that is tailored to your needs and the project’s circumstances.
Our team of qualified heritage professionals are ready to assist with public inquiries associated with listed buildings and conservation areas. We provide a range of services, including taking on the entire public inquiry process by acting as advocate or we can provide supporting evidence with standalone heritage advice, for example acting as an Expert Witness.
What is a public inquiry?
A Public Inquiry is one of the ways that an appeal can be heard by the Planning Inspectorate. This is the most formal process for an appeal and as such is usually used for major or more complex applications. The inquiry sets forward the case against a decision.
By nature of the name, public inquiries are open to members of the public and local people are encouraged to take part in the inquiry process and maybe allowed to speak at the inquiry. However the main parties involved in the inquiry will be the appellant/applicant, the local planning authority and any Rule 6 party. These main parties will prepare and submit their statement of case in advance of the inquiry in the same way as the other appeal processes.
Parties may be formally represented at the inquiry by advocates. An advocate’s role is to present their party’s opening statement, go through each of their witness’s evidence in chief, cross-examine the opposing parties’ witnesses, and present their party’s closing statement. This is usually lead by a barrister who will cross examine each witness.
What is a “Rule 6” Party?
A Rule 6 party is normally a group (for example, a parish council or local community group) who wish to take a very active part in an inquiry and who has applied for Rule 6 status. Please note that it is unusual for “Rule 6 status” to be granted to individuals.
What is a “Proof of Evidence”?
“Proofs of Evidence” are prepared by expert witnesses that will appear, speak and potentially be cross-examined at the public inquiry. An expert witness is someone who is qualified by training and experience in a particular subject or subjects, to express an opinion. It is the duty of an expert to help the Planning Inspector on matters within their expertise. Proofs of evidence must be submitted no later than 4 weeks before the inquiry. The evidence of each witness should address distinct topics, not overlap another’s and it should also be limited in length. If the proof of evidence exceeds 1,500 words it will also need to be accompanied by a summary. Please note that it is normally only the summaries that will be read out at the inquiry.
Please contact one of our consultants on 01483 802221 to discuss your individual case or send through the details of your case to hello@fullerlong.com.
For more general information about the appeals process, other ways that an appeal can be heard and the timescales involved, please click here.