The Planning Inspectorate - Wales

Better Presentation of Evidence in Chief Guidance - Introduction

Agreed between the Planning Inspectorate and the Local Government Planning and Environment Bar Association

Introduction

Under the Inquiries Procedure Rules, written statements of evidence have to be provided three weeks before the commencement of the inquiry. The purpose of this is to enable the parties and the Inspector to read them before the inquiry partly in order to eliminate the time previously taken by witnesses merely reading out their often lengthy proofs during the inquiry itself. In order that this rule can achieve its objective without placing an unnecessary burden upon those including the Inspector who have to read the proofs before the inquiry, it is essential that statements of evidence are written as succinctly as possible and presented in a manner which is as straightforward as possible to follow. In the light of experience, the following guidelines have been prepared with a view to improving the presentation of both proofs and appendices. Reference should also be made to the Annex to Circular 24/92 especially paragraphs 10 to 16.