§ 102. Mr. DykesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider introducing changes in the planning inquiry appeals procedures, including the inspectors' adjudication, which would help to equalise the rights of existing local residents and property development companies.
§ Mr. ChopeThe rules of procedure at public inquiries are designed to meet the criteria of openness, fairness and impartiality which were laid down by the Franks committee in 1957. The present rules were comprehensively revised only last year; I see no need for further changes at this stage. Within the framework provided by the rules, inspectors are expected to use their discretion to ensure that all relevant submissions, from whatever source and however presented, are given due consideration.