Section 174 — Choice of inquiry, hearing or written procedure
654.Section 174 requires the Welsh Ministers to determine, in each case, the procedure to follow in considering the proceedings set out in subsection (7). The procedure can be a local inquiry, a hearing, written representations or any combination of those three. The choice of procedure will largely be determined by the extent to which evidence needs to be tested through oral examination. Written representations are suitable when the issues raised can be clearly understood from the submitted documents and a site inspection. A hearing will be scheduled where evidence needs to be tested through questioning but there is no need for cross-examination or for evidence to be given on oath. An inquiry is likely to be necessary where the issues are complex and the evidence needs forensic examination through cross-examination. It is possible that some issues in cases will be considered on the basis of written submissions while others will be examined in a hearing or inquiry.
655.The Welsh Ministers must determine the procedure within a period prescribed in regulations, but may vary that determination with a further determination at any time before the proceedings conclude. The Welsh Ministers must notify the appellant or applicant (as appropriate, depending on the nature of the proceedings) and the planning authority of the procedure that has been selected and publish the criteria that are to be applied in determining the procedure to be followed.
