Planning Inspectorate webinars - GOV.UK
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Guidance
Planning Inspectorate webinars
Discover and register for Planning Inspectorate webinars.
From:
Planning Inspectorate
Published
6 November 2024
3 March 2026
See all updates
Applies to England
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:
encourage 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.
Please note: Our webinar recordings reflect the policy, guidance and legislation in place at the time of recording. As planning policy and legislation can change, we recommend checking the latest versions of the National Planning Policy Framework, Planning Practice Guidance and any relevant legislation before relying on the content. Each recording includes the date it was recorded to help you assess how current the information is.
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Webinar 1 - Presenting your evidence in appeals: Good practice from inspectors
Date: Friday, 15 November 2024 Time: 13:00 - 14:00
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
Date: Friday, 13 December 2024 Time: 13:00 - 14:30
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
Date: Friday, 10 January 2025 Time: 11:30 - 12:30
Watch: Approach to decision making in Green Belt appeals
Presentation slides: 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
Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025 Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Watch: Linear Infrastructure Projects: Best Practice in NSIP Applications
Presentation slides: Linear Infrastructure Projects - Best Practice in NSIP Applications
PDF
11.2 MB
54 pages
Examining Inspectors Annie Coombs and Richard Allen presented essential guidance for those involved in linear Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
The session covered:
best practices for preparing and managing linear infrastructure applications
addressing the challenges of schemes with long and varied geography
managing interfaces with multiple landscapes, environmental features, communities and stakeholders
working effectively with persons with rights over land, including Statutory Undertakers
practical insights drawn from the Planning Inspectorate’s recently published advice on linear NSIPs
Drawing on their extensive experience examining major linear infrastructure schemes, the presenters provided valuable guidance for applicants, Interested Parties, and persons with rights over land.
The webinar expanded on our published
advice for preparing applications for linear NSIPs
, which includes guidance on pre-application engagement, environmental impact assessment, design evolution, construction planning, land rights, and Development Consent Order preparation.
Responses to webinar questions: Linear Infrastructure Projects
PDF
146 KB
8 pages
Responses to webinar questions: Linear Infrastructure Projects
ODT
63.5 KB
Webinar 5 - Public rights of way casework: Best practice in opposed order written representations, hearings, and inquiries
Date: Friday, 11 April 2025 Time: 12:30 - 13:30
Watch: Public rights of way casework: Best practice in opposed order written representations, hearings, and inquiries
Presentation slides: Public rights of way casework
PDF
3.17 MB
13 pages
Presented by Heidi Cruickshank (Professional lead) and Harry Wood (team leader) this webinar is aimed at anyone involved in public rights of way opposed order cases, including order making authorities (OMAs), affected landowners, interested parties, and a range of access and land management stakeholders.
The webinar discussed a broad range of issues including the hearing and inquiry format and the circumstances in which the written representations procedure is recommended, the referral process from local authorities, best practice for document submission, the virtue of online document repositories, the use of virtual events, and case management conferences.
Responses to webinar questions: Public rights of way casework
ODT
63.8 KB
Responses to webinar questions: Public rights of way casework
PDF
142 KB
4 pages
Webinar 6 - What is meant by a sustainable location?
Date: Wednesday, 04 June 2025 Time: 12:00 - 13:00
Watch: What is meant by a sustainable location?
Presentation slides: What is meant by a sustainable location?
PDF
2.12 MB
27 pages
Presented by Sheila Holden (Planning Inspector) this webinar covered how the 2024 National Planning Policy Framework’s new vision-led approach to transport planning affects development proposals.
The session covered:
the difference between addressing transport and accessibility matters with the more traditional approach of assessing highway safety and capacity issues
how the new transport hierarchy affects development proposals
strategies for effective collaboration between planners and highway engineers
methods to reduce car dependence through thoughtful location and design
practical approaches to support active travel and public transport, reducing car dependence
Webinar 7 - Best practice in enforcement appeals
Date: Wednesday, 02 July 2025 Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Watch: Best practice in enforcement appeals
Presentation slides: Best practice in enforcement appeals
PDF
2.88 MB
49 pages
Presented by Claire Sherratt (Professional and Operations lead), John Murray (Inspector Manager) and Jean Russell (Inspector Manager) this webinar covered best practice in enforcement appeals.
The session covered:
learning how to create complete, effective Enforcement Notices and avoid common pitfalls
understand appeal grounds and how Inspectors approach decisions
explore key concepts: planning units, use classifications, and their importance
gain practical tips on enforcement appeal processes
Responses to webinar questions: Best practice in enforcement appeals
PDF
71.3 KB
6 pages
Responses to webinar questions: Best practice in enforcement appeals
ODT
21.4 KB
Webinar 8 - Getting it right first time: Preparing your local plan for successful examination
Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Watch: Getting it right first time: Preparing your local plan for successful examination
Presentation slides: Getting it right first time - Preparing your local plan for successful examination
PDF
5 MB
34 pages
Presented by Simon Berkeley (Professional Lead for Local Plans) and Andrew Megginson (Service Owner - Plans Examination Service) this webinar provided practical guidance on preparing local plans for examination and participating effectively in the examination process.
The session covered and give an insight into:
the current legal and procedural requirements for local plan examinations
when and how pragmatism is applied during examinations following recent ministerial guidance
how to participate constructively in examination hearing sessions and work effectively with inspectors and programme officers
an awareness of upcoming changes to the local plan system, including the new gateway approach and digital examination processes
Responses to webinar questions: Local Plans
ODT
24.7 KB
Responses to webinar questions: Local Plans
PDF
172 KB
4 pages
Webinar 9 - Planning conditions: Best practice guidance from inspectors
Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026 Time: 12:30 - 14:00
Watch: Planning conditions: Best practice guidance from inspectors
Planning Conditions: Best Practice Guidance from Inspectors
PDF
1.57 MB
17 pages
This webinar, held on 21 January 2026 and presented by Deborah Board (Inspector manager) and David Smith (Inspector), provides practical guidance from two experienced inspectors on how to deal with conditions throughout the appeal process.
The session gives advice on how local planning authorities and appellants can work more effectively with inspectors to ensure conditions meet the necessary tests and so assist decision-making.
The content is aimed at those familiar with the appeals process and assumes working knowledge of the tests in paragraph 57 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
Responses to webinar questions: Best practice guidance from inspectors
PDF
172 KB
8 pages
Responses to webinar questions: Best practice guidance from inspectors
ODT
38.7 KB
Updates to this page
Published 6 November 2024
show all updates
3 March 2026
Disclaimer added on currency of advice contained in webinar recordings.
25 February 2026
Responses to webinar questions: Webinar 9 - Planning conditions: Best practice guidance from inspectors added in PDF and ODT format
22 January 2026
Recording and slides added for Webinar 9 - Planning conditions: Best practice guidance from inspectors
12 November 2025
Webinar 9 - Planning conditions: best practice guidance from inspectors information added
1 October 2025
Questions and Answers document added for local plans webinar.
29 September 2025
YouTube link and presentation slides added for Webinar 8: Getting it right first time - Preparing your local plan for successful examination - file attachment
28 July 2025
Webinar 8 - Getting it right first time: Preparing your local plan for successful examination
10 July 2025
The responses to webinar questions: Best practice in enforcement appeals have been added.
3 July 2025
The slides from our recent enforcement appeals webinar (2 July 2025) have been updated to correct an error on page 17 regarding the requirements for service of enforcement notices.
The original text incorrectly described Section 172(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. We have now revised this to accurately reflect the wording of the Act, which states: "Service of the notice shall take place (a) not more than 28 days after its date of issue and (b) not less than 28 days before the date specified in it as the date on which it is to take effect."
This correction ensures accurate guidance on the statutory timeframes for serving enforcement notices and giving recipients the mandatory period to appeal.
The corrected slides and recording are now live on the page.
3 July 2025
Recording and slides added for Webinar 7 - Best practice in enforcement appeals
11 June 2025
Webinar 7 - Best practice in enforcement appeals
6 June 2025
video and presentation links to Webinar 6: Sustainable locations, has been added to the page.
6 May 2025
Webinar 6: What is meant by a sustainable location? registration open.
28 April 2025
Responses to webinar 5 questions have been added, odt and PDF format.
15 April 2025
Recording and slides added for Webinar 5 - Public rights of way casework: Best practice in opposed order written representations, hearings, and inquiries
1 April 2025
Responses to questions added for Linear Infrastructure Projects webinar
14 March 2025
Webinar 5 - Public rights of way casework: Best practice in opposed order written representations, hearings, and inquiries registration open
7 March 2025
Recording and slides added for Webinar 4 - Linear Infrastructure Projects: Best Practice in NSIP Applications
7 February 2025
Added: Webinar 4 - Linear Infrastructure Projects: Best Practice in NSIP Applications
13 January 2025
Webinar 3: Recording and slides published
16 December 2024
Webinar 2 - Achieving good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects - recordings and slides added
27 November 2024
Webinar 2 - Achieving good design in Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Webinar 3 - Approach to decision making in Green Belt appeals added for registration
20 November 2024
Presentation slides for webinar 1 'Presenting your evidence' uploaded
19 November 2024
Updated with a link to a recording of the webinar on presenting evidence best practice.
6 November 2024
First published.
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