The Compulsory Purchase by Non-Ministerial Acquiring Authorities (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1990

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules regulate the procedures to be followed in England and Wales in respect of public local inquiries which are held in connection with compulsory purchase orders which have been made by non-ministerial acquiring authorities and submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation under Part II of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981.

They replace the Compulsory Purchase by Public Authorities (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1976 (which are revoked, subject to the transitional provisions contained in rule 3) and generally contain similar procedures to those laid down in the Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1988 (S.I. 1988/944).

These Rules establish a detailed timetable for each procedural step, and provide for exchange of information between interested parties in addition to regulating matters relating to the conduct of the inquiry itself and to the notification of the Secretary of State’s decision. Special provision is made in rule 22 for orders made pursuant to section 290 of the Housing Act 1985.

The procedural system instituted by the rules is explained in more detail in a Circular prepared jointly by the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office, number 1/90 (Department of the Environment) and 1/90 (Welsh Office). Copies may be purchased through HMSO.