Advice to Ian Pollard - Wakefield MDC
Back to listEnquiry
- From
- Ian Pollard - Wakefield MDC
- Date advice given
- 12 March 2013
- Enquiry type
Enquiry regarding Statements of Common Ground
Advice given
The aim of a SoCG is to agree factual information and to inform an Examining authority and all other parties by identifying where there is agreement and where the differences lie and in particular highlighting key outstanding issues and concerns at an early stage of an examination process. It should provide a focus and save time by identifying matters which need not be in dispute or the subject of further evidence. It can also usefully state where and why there may be disagreement about the interpretation and relevance of the information. For example, the parties might agree that a certain measurement is relevant and is a key part of the case and also agree what is the difference in the measurements (X for the applicant and Y for the interested party). The reasons for the differences and the interpretation of the implications of a difference can then be expanded in the evidence having been highlighted as a key outstanding issue and concern.
Although there is no statutory requirement to provide a SoCG, it is usual for an Examining authority to request these during the examination process, and therefore applicants are advised to engage early with parties in pre-application. SoCG?s will formally be requested when the procedural timetable is issued in examination and in parallel with questions from the Examining authority.
?CLG guidance for the examination of applications for development consent? relating to SoCG can be found on the Planning Inspectorate website or by following this link (please see paragraphs 63-68): http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/14901/guidanceexaminationprocedure.pdf