My Lords, planning appeals are currently decided by three potential routes: written representations, hearings or public inquiries, or a combination of all three. Government Amendment 285A will enable an appointed planning inspector, rather than a case officer, as is currently the case, to change the mode of procedure for a planning appeal. The Government believe that an appointed inspector is best placed to decide the most appropriate mode of procedure for an appeal case as they will be familiar with the facts of the case and the views of all parties. The new clause will facilitate a more streamlined procedure and have a positive impact on the operational delivery, leading to more efficient and timely appeal decisions. I therefore request that the amendment is supported.
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I turn to government Amendment 285B. During the pandemic the Planning Inspectorate pioneered the use of virtual events with great success. It enabled appeals and other Planning Inspectorate procedures to progress more quickly and efficiently. The enhanced accessibility of virtual events has also allowed members of the public to join events which they previously may not have been able to do. This has helped to make the process more representative and reflective of the communities that the inspectorate represents. Amendment 285B is designed to put the Planning Inspectorate’s ability to use virtual events beyond doubt. It does not represent a change in policy or to the inspectorate’s current approach of operating in-person or virtual events as appropriate. It is necessary, though, in order to clarify this existing practice following recent legal challenges. This amendment clarifies existing practice and will enable the Planning Inspectorate to continue to facilitate fair and accessible events for its users. It will also help to support greater efficiency and streamlining of its procedures.
Finally, government Amendment 509B provides that these new clauses will come into force two months after Royal Assent. I hope I have demonstrated to noble Lords that the measures proposed through the three amendments in this group will enable appeals and other Planning Inspectorate procedures to progress more quickly and efficiently. I therefore request that these amendments are accepted. I beg to move.