Planning inquiries into major infrastructure projects

Sets out guidance on the procedures for handling major infrastructure project inquiries in England, which apply to projects involving developments of national or regional importance. These arrangements reduce unnecessary delays whilst continuing to ensure there is adequate opportunity for public consultation.

---

This circular sets out guidance on the new procedures for handling major infrastructure project inquiries in England, which apply to projects involving developments of national or regional importance and which are initiated on or after 24th August 2005 (as set out in S.I. 2005/2115 'The Town and Country Planning (Major Infrastructure Project Inquiries Procedure) (England) Rules 2005'). The new arrangements seek to improve and streamline the process for handling major infrastructure projects and reducing unnecessary delays whilst continuing to ensure there is adequate opportunity for public consultation and to maintain standards of fairness and impartiality in decision-making.