Planning Inspectorate webinars

Planning Inspectorate webinars have been introduced to engage and share learning with stakeholders across the planning system. They are free to attend and open to all.

Our webinars aim to:

• foster knowledge exchange and professional development
• promote a more efficient approach to casework
• improve participation in processes
• share expertise and encourage best practice discussions

By participating in these webinars, we hope you’ll gain valuable insights into our processes, learn about recent developments in the planning system, and have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field.

Webinar recordings are added to this page once they are processed.

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Webinar 1 - Presenting your evidence in appeals: Good practice from inspectors

Watch: Presenting your evidence in appeals - Good practice from inspectors

Presentation slides: Presenting your evidence in appeals (PDF, 2.37 MB, 18 pages)

Hosted by Richard Schofield (Chief Planning Inspector) and Rebecca Phillips (Professional Lead for Planning Appeals), the webinar covers how to effectively present your case, common pitfalls to avoid, and other essential tips for participating in planning appeals.

The session included:

• best practices for preparing Statements of Common Ground and Statements of Case
• how to craft compelling Proofs of Evidence
• tips on being an effective witness during inquiries
• common mistakes that can weaken your case and how to avoid them
• insider tips on what inspectors look for in well-presented evidence

Webinar 2 - Achieving good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Watch: Achieving good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Presentation slides: Achieving good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (PDF, 8.39 MB, 58 pages)

Annie Coombs (Examining Inspector), Mike Hayes (Examining Inspector) and Richard Schofield (Chief Planning Inspector) present an insightful webinar on the crucial role of good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). 

This session covered a range of matters from policy considerations; the benefits of a good design approach; to practical advice on achieving good design in NSIPs, along with various good examples from recent NSIP applications that have come to the Planning Inspectorate for examination.

Webinar 3 - Approach to decision making in Green Belt appeals

Watch: Approach to decision making in Green Belt appeals

Approach to decision making in green belt appeals (PDF, 1.19 MB, 11 pages)

Presented by Richard Schofield (Chief Planning Inspector) and David Smith (Planning Inspector) this webinar explains how Inspectors approach development proposals affecting Green Belt land.

Based on the training given to Inspectors undertaking S78 appeals, the session covers issues around inappropriate development, openness, the exceptions to inappropriate development and very special circumstances with reference to relevant caselaw. It also provides some indication of what is helpful to Inspectors when considering appeals in the Green Belt and what is less helpful.

Webinar 4 - Linear Infrastructure Projects: Best Practice in NSIP Applications

This webinar will provide essential guidance for anyone involved in linear Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), including applicants, Interested Parties, and persons with rights over land. Drawing from the Planning Inspectorate’s latest advice, to be published shortly, the session will focus on best practices for preparing and managing linear infrastructure applications.

The webinar will draw on the characteristics of linear schemes including their long and varied geography which creates interface with many landscapes, environmental features, people and communities and persons with rights over land, including Statutory Undertakers.

Presented by Annie Coombs, Examining Inspector and experienced landscape architect, and Richard Allen, Examining Inspector with extensive town planning expertise. Both bring significant experience examining major linear infrastructure schemes.