Highway Public Inquiry

Where planning permission has been refused an applicant has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State for an independent decision on the development. Appeals can be in three forms, a simple exchange of statements known as a Written Representations appeal, a Local Hearing which is an Inspector led discussion between all parties and a Public Inquiry or Highway Public Inquiry where professional witnesses provide formal evidence in a court room setting and are cross examined by counsel acting for the opposing parties. In all cases an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State considers all evidence presented, asks his own questions of witnesses and views the site before making his/her decision to allow or dismiss the appeal.

Appeals can, especially with Public Inquiries, be a very expensive process and where planning consent has been withheld by an Authority for unjustified or unreasonable grounds it is possible to make an application for costs to recover the costs of the work involved in the appeal process.

Sanderson Associates regularly provide Written Representations Statements; attend Local Hearings and Highway Public Inquires working either directly for Clients or via instructing planning consultants and solicitors as part of a dedicated team. In providing assistance at a Highway Public Inquiry we have represented both the private sector and Local Planning Authorities at both District and County Council level.

We keep up to date with changes in planning legislation, for example the new National Planning Framework (NPPF). Further information on the NPPF can be found on some of our accompanying websites.

Highway Expert Witness

Sanderson Associates offer a full range of services with respect to the provision of highway expert witness advice in relation to the broad area of transportation, highways design and flood risk matters.

Highway expert witness advice can range from a simple Written Representations Statement through to complex public inquiries on major planning application or Local Plan site allocations. In addition Sanderson Associates have provided highway expert witnesses for cases in local Magistrates Courts, County Courts, the High Court and the Royal Court of Justice in London.

Our wide base of experience in the provision of highway expert witness advice includes planning applications, planning enforcement appeals, public highway closure and Traffic Regulation Orders, public rights of ways issues (closures and diversions) and alleged professional negligence. We have experts in the fields of traffic and transportation, flood risk and highway design.