Later procedure: N.B. Only one of the following three procedures apply to a specific case.
Written procedure:

• Typically at about 12 weeks (depending on Inspectorate workload) Inspector will visit site, either accompanied or unaccompanied.
• In general the decision letters are issued within 5 weeks of Inspector's site visit.

Hearing procedure:

• The Inspectorate write to Council offering a date and suggested duration for the hearing which varies according to Inspectorate workload, but is currently (2004/5), 40 to 50 weeks after start date.
• Once a date and venue has been fixed with the Inspectorate the Council dispatch a notification letter of date, venue and duration of Hearing
• In general the Inspectorate issues decision letter up to 5 weeks after the Hearing

Inquiry procedure:

• The Inspectorate would write to the Council offering a date for the Inquiry.
• Once a date and venue has been fixed with the Inspectorate, the Council dispatch a notification letter of date, venue and duration of the Inquiry, which varies according to the Inspectorate workload, but is currently (2004/5), 40 to 50 weeks after the start date
• 4 weeks before the Inquiry the Council and Appellant send copies of their proof(s) of evidence and their 'statement of common ground' to the Inspectorate.
• In general the Inspectorate issues the decision notice up to 5 weeks after the Inquiry.