Chamber and committees

The Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) arrange hearings and public local inquiries for certain planning appeals, called in planning applications and other non appeal type casework. During Phase 2, Hearings and Public Local Inquiries will not take place in oral form where parties are present. During this phase oral sessions such as these will be organised to take place by either written representations or a virtual meeting/inquiry (or combination of both).

The Scottish Government published the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland's Route Map through and out of the crisis on 21 May 2020, which sets out the criteria to be met for progressing through the route map phases. The “route map" allows a working indoor meeting, such as a planning inquiry, to occur, so long as the protective measures relevant to Phase 3 are applied. In this light face-to-face public inquiries can therefore, in principle, resume in phase 3, subject to the advised health protection measures being in place

DPEA has published guidance on how planning appeals and other casework will be handled during the current coronavirus outbreak and this can be viewed at the following link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/planning-appeals-reporters-guidance/. Work by DPEA is continuing in terms of the detailed processes for face to face hearings and inquiries and DPEA will publish a further update to their website in this respect as Phase 3 approaches.

Some of the approaches considered may include DPEA working with venues to ensure that layout, signage and floor markings are adequate for physical distancing during any hearing or inquiry. The DPEA will also consider, with the venue, the availability of suitable hand washing and other appropriate hygiene measures. DPEA will work with participating parties by discussing, in advance of any hearing or inquiry, the specific detail of health protection measures required including, but not limited to, the wearing of face coverings and travel to the venue.