Guidance

Setting up a venue for a public inquiry, hearing or examination

Information for the local authority when setting up a venue and the facilities needed for public inquiries, hearings and examinations.

• From: Planning Inspectorate
• Published: 25 March 2013
• Last updated: 3 August 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Public inquiries; Hearings and Examinations - venue and facilities requirements

HTML

ANNEX 1 – Suggested layout of an inquiry room

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Details

This guidance explains:

• the venue
• health and safety
• location
• access advice
• the room
• retiring rooms
• layout of the inquiry room
• layout of the hearing or examination room
• Welsh language
• other languages
• cloakrooms and toilets
• photocopying

Published 25 March 2013

Last updated 3 August 2023 + show all updates

1. 3 August 2023

   Link to annex a added

2. 10 May 2023

   Section 6.2. updated with Inspector requirements.

3. 21 December 2022

   References and guidance on Covid-19 removed

4. 21 January 2022

   Monitor requirements updated.

5. 21 January 2022

   Updated to include requirements for local planning authorities to provide a monitor for the Inspector at an event.

6. 26 August 2021

   Wi-Fi guidance under electronic working facilities updated

7. 21 June 2021

   New section added: 2.2 The venue must adhere to Government guidance in relation to COVID-19 where relevant.

8. 23 June 2017

   Section 9 & 11 are new and the whole document has had some minor updates.

9. 31 March 2016

   Venue and facilities note updated

10. 25 March 2013

    First published.