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Advice to Ramblers

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Enquiry

From
Ramblers
Date advice given
21 July 2011
Enquiry type
Email

I am writing on behalf of a Ramblers volunteer with a question about IPC rules on statutory consultation. The Ramblers (http://www.ramblers.org.uk/) is a walking charity, working to safeguard the footpaths, the countryside and other places we go walking, and to encourage more people to take up walking.

We are concerned that there seems to be no need to consult the list of 'statutory consultees', which include Ramblers, for such things as Diversions under Highways Act and Side Road Orders. It seems that information is not being required to be sent under the new system that was earlier.

Is it possible that former statutory consultees could be added to the formal consultation list? Is there another way for Ramblers volunteers to ensure they will be invited to consult?

Advice given

Can the Ramblers be added to the formal consultation list?

The IPC's list of the Prescribed Consultees for the purposes of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) is set out in the Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009 at Schedule 1. This statutory instrument is the responsibility of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and is not within the remit of the IPC to amend. You may consider contacting DCLG direct to make representations about the Ramblers being added to the Schedule.

Is there another way for Ramblers volunteers to ensure they will be invited to consult?

There are many ways to comment on NSIP applications:

  • Developers are required by Section 47 of the Planning Act 2008 to consult local communities regarding their proposals and to explain in their application how they have had regard to responses received.

  • The Ramblers will also have the opportunity to register as an interested party once an application has been accepted for Examination and this enables you to become further involved with the process through attendance at the Preliminary Meeting, the submission of representations and/or attendance at hearings.

  • You can also monitor our website to ensure you are aware of projects coming forward that the Ramblers may wish to comment upon and/or subscribe to our e-news letter (http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/news/newsletter-subscription-and-back-issues/).

Further details about how to get involved in the NSIP process are set out in a series of Advice Notes prepared by the IPC (see the link below). See in particular Advice Note 8.2 ‘How to have your say on a major infrastructure proposal’. Details regarding the consultation and notification undertaken by the IPC are explained in Advice Note 3.

http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/legislation-and-advice/our-guidance-and-advice/