The Planning (Inquiry Procedure) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2015

Preliminary information to be supplied

4.—(1) The Department shall, on receipt of a certificate, notify the applicant in writing—

(a) that an inquiry is to be held for the purpose of determining the application unless the Department has not received any objections or representations in respect of it or every objection or representation made is withdrawn; and

(b) of the name and address of each statutory party who has made an objection or representation to it in relation to the application.

(2) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a Minister of the Crown, any government department or a district council falling within rule 10(1)(b) has expressed in writing to the Department the view that the application should not be granted either wholly or in part, or should be granted only subject to conditions; or

(b) any person consulted in pursuance of a development order has made an objection or representation to the Department about the application.

(3) Where paragraph (1) applies and an inquiry is to be held, the applicant or, as the case may be, the person concerned under paragraph (2), unless they have already done so, shall forthwith after the starting date, request a direction by the Secretary of State or Department of Justice under section 232(2) or 232(4) of the 2011 Act.

(4) The Department shall ensure that within 2 weeks of the starting date—

(a) each statutory party; and

(b) each person who made representations to the Department about the application,

has been notified that an inquiry is to be held and of the address to which and of the period within which they may make representations to the Department.