The Planning Inspectorate is using Microsoft Teams as the platform that will enable people to participate remotely. It can be accessed by a link in an email invitation through a laptop, tablet, computer or smartphone or by dialling in via a given phone number. The Inquiry will be subject to the same Rules and Regulations as conventional face-to-face inquiries.
To further assist the Inspector will be arranging a test event for the main parties (including witnesses) in the week before the inquiry. This will allow them to try out the access arrangements using the technology and hopefully iron out any issues that might arise.
Anyone wishing to attend the inquiry must make that interest known to the Planning Inspectorate Case Officer Helen Skinner (Tel: 0303 444 5531. Email: helen.skinner@planninginspectorate.gov.uk) as soon as possible prior to the Inquiry, either by email or telephone after reading the Inquiry Attendance Information set out below. When contacting the Case Officer, it would be helpful if you could confirm whether you want to take an active part in the proceedings or anticipate attending just as an observer (see below).
Inquiry Attendance Information
Before deciding whether to take an active part in the Inquiry, you need to think carefully about the points you wish to make. All written submissions from application and appeal stage will be taken into account by the Inspector and re-stating the same points won’t add any additional weight to them.
If you feel that taking part in the Inquiry is right for you in whatever capacity, you can participate in a number of ways:
To join via the internet on a computer or smartphone, please follow this link https://event.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/3178530resumption
Alternatively, if you are joining via telephone, please dial 020 3321 5208, entering the phone conference ID 739 906 258# when prompted, using your telephone keypad. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to hide your telephone number from the other participants, please dial 141 before dialling the number above (other methods may apply on certain mobile carriers/telephones).
You should also note that joining by telephone to the 020 number that will be used will incur charges. You should check actual rates with your provider https://www.gov.uk/call-charges
If you just wish to observe the event, you can do so on YouTube. Sessions will be livestreamed so that those who wish to observe (but not participate) can do so by these means. The livestream will be available via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQqDetL1R5aRgbNm8PDViNw
If you wish to take an active part in the proceedings, please make clear in your response whether you wish only to appear at the Inquiry and make a statement, or whether you would also wish to ask questions on particular topics. If you want to take an active part but feel unable to for any reason, and/or the points you want to make are not covered in the evidence of others, consider whether someone else could raise them on your behalf.
Registered participants in whatever capacity will receive individual joining instructions, providing details of any requirements, guidance and support, whether joining by Teams or telephone. You should note that the event will be recorded by the Planning Inspectorate for internal training and quality assurance purposes.
Planning Inspectorate Reference:
APP/M0655/W/17/3178530
Case Officer contact at the Planning Inspectorate:
Helen Skinner - Tel: 0303 444 5531; Email: helen.skinner@planninginspectorate.gov.uk