Advice to Alison Downes
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- From
- Alison Downes
- Date advice given
- 19 June 2020
- Enquiry type
Dear Liam and Michelle, We noted in the latest Meeting note between PINS and EDF that issues regarding making documents available at public locations remain unresolved. Can you let us know whether you anticipate legislative changes prior to 24 June, and if not and the application is accepted, what the implications are likely to be for the commencement of Section 56? Best wishes Alison Downes
Advice given
Dear Alison, Thank you for your email. Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding. With regard to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the arrangements for members of the public to access documents relating to an application that has been accepted for Examination, please note the contents of the Government’s Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) of 13 May 2020 which provides updated guidelines regarding the use of digital events, such as virtual hearings, and digital documentation. The WMS explains that online inspection of documents should be the default position and, recognising that there are sections of the community that may have limited or no access to the internet, that developers should take reasonable steps to ensure all members of the public are able to be involved. The Planning Inspectorate’s published guidance has been updated and will continue to be updated as the situation develops: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-planning-inspectorate-guidance As you are aware, should the application be accepted for Examination then parties who wish to participate in the Examination would have the opportunity to register as an Interested Party by submitting a Relevant Representation at the appropriate time during the Pre-examination stage of the PA2008 process. If the Planning Inspectorate decides to accept an application for Examination, it remains the Applicant’s duty to advertise the Relevant Representation period and provide details about how to register to become an Interested Party under Section 56 of the Planning Act 2008. In this case the Applicant has indicated that it would extend this registration period beyond the statutory minimum of thirty days, if the application is accepted, to allow all parties more time to review the application documents and register their interest before the start of the six month Examination stage. I hope the above information is helpful to you. Kind regards Liam