Public inquiries are formal procedures, led by a Planning Inspector and used for complex planning appeal cases where legal issues may need to be considered. An inquiry may take a few days, or in some cases weeks.
The main parties usually have legal representatives to present their case and to cross examine any witnesses.
Before the inquiry, the Planning Inspectorate will receive various documents from all parties taking part in the appeal. All parties present their case at the appeal and witnesses can be questioned. A written decision is usually made several weeks after the inquiry.