Living in a “virtual inquiry” world – Top Tips
June 22, 2020
Alexandra Perry
2035 Views
The Planning Inspectorate’s (PINS) move to “virtual” hearings and inquiries – with participants attending remotely by video conferencing – is a game-changer for those involved in such appeals.
This move was planned for later in 2020 as part of the Rosewell Review of Planning Appeal Inquiries (2019) but CV-19 has forced PINS to organise digital events to progress appeal cases during this unprecedented time. With social distancing rules to control CV-19, PINS now expect digital events to play a part in ‘most cases’ over the next six months. It may even become the norm. So how will the “virtual” inquiry change things?
There will still be long days and nights preparing and reading statements, proofs of evidence, rebuttals, unilateral undertakings, etc. and submitting bundles of supporting documentation within strict deadlines. However, there is also the prospect of less travel, overnight stays and avoiding having to carry heavy boxes of appeal documents and equipment to the inquiry venue.
Instead, we could all be sitting at home, spread across the UK, emailing, texting and communicating via MS Teams or Zoom. So, how best to adapt to the new “normal” and prepare for a “virtual” inquiry.
Here are our Top 10 tips:
1. Think about the strategy at the case conferences as the process will be much tighter;
2. Decide whether the whole team should be in the same venue throughout the inquiry; if so, arrange this but respect “purdah” requirements during Cross-Examination;
3. Use the summary in the proof for Evidence in Chief;
4. When presenting, focus on the key points and be extremely clear and succinct in thought and speech;
5. Ensure everyone carefully plans the structure of their Examination in Chief with their barrister;
6. Given the constraints of the technology, witnesses and advocates should not interrupt each other;
7. Engage with the Inspector as much as possible;
8. Judges and Inspectors say it is much more difficult and tiring to concentrate “virtually” so be succinct and on point, both in writing and orally;
9. Do a practice run with the technology, check WiFi, lighting, acoustics, etc. and examine how you appear and present on screen; get a colleague to watch and give feedback; and
10. Think about your “virtual” style, e.g. try not to look down and have good eye contact to get the Inspector’s attention throughout giving evidence.
Prepared in collaboration with Anjoli Foster, Barrister, Landmark Chambers ranked as one of the “top planning juniors” and “top planning juniors under 35” in the 2020 Planning Magazine Law Survey.
RELATED NEWS
Great Leighs, Chelmsford City Council, Essex – Strategic Growth Site
March 15, 2023
Masterplan Framework document to deliver around 950 new homes, 250 specialist elderly dwellings, together with a neighbourhood centre, site for a primary school and a Travelling Show-persons site, all set within a mature landscape setting adjacent to and integrated with the existing village.
Proposed Reforms to the NPPF, Summary Response
March 7, 2023
In December 2022, the UK Government released a consultation document proposing changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). You can read our summary response to this consultation here.
Project Skyway
February 21, 2023
David Lock on why we need to talk about a proposed long-distance network of drone based delivery ‘superhighways.’
Promotion at David Lock Associates
February 9, 2023
DLA is pleased to announce the promotion of Emily Benstead to the role of Planner. This recognition is a result of Emily achieving Chartered Member status with the RTPI and her noteworthy work as an Assistant Planner.
Houlton School wins RTPI Award for Planning Excellence
December 5, 2022
Houlton School wins the RTPI Award for Planning Excellence for ‘Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture’
DLA Working With STFC
October 27, 2022
David Lock Associates is delighted to be working with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (part of UK Research and Innovation) on a series of exciting development plans, which are helping to facilitate world-leading research.
Build Your Career at DLA
October 24, 2022
We are looking for enthusiastic, bright and committed graduate planners to join our leading spatial planning practice next summer.
New Recruits and Promotions at DLA
October 18, 2022
David Lock Associates is delighted to announce several new appointments following a recent recruitment drive, and promotions from earlier this year.
Speedy Approval for Prospero Ansty Business Park
October 3, 2022
David Lock Associates recently secured full planning permission for three flexible B2/B8 units at Prospero Ansty Business Park in Rugby Borough, which would deliver a combined floorspace of over 50,000 sq.m.