Inquiry process and documents
Published
Monday 10 February, 2025
Updated
Wednesday 5 November, 2025
A planning inquiry is a formal process used for complex cases where legal or technical issues require in-depth examination.
Key steps:
- Evidence gathering: parties involved submit proofs of evidence from expert witnesses to the Planning Inspectorate.
- Hearings: formal hearings are held where parties deliver evidence which is tested through cross examination.
- Site visit: the Inspector and parties may conduct a site visit.
- Inspector's report: the inspector prepares a report with findings and recommendations.
- Secretary of State's decision: the Secretary of State makes the final decision based on the Inspector's report.
Accessing inquiry documents
The Helen Wilson Consultancy website will host all inquiry documents and information.
Please note: This website may not be fully accessible to all users.
Timetable
The inquiry programme is available on the programme office website.
The programme is subject to change throughout the inquiry, potentially at short notice, so you should always check the inquiry website for the latest version.
