Hearing Sessions

The Inspector's draft hearing programme, Inspector's Matters, Issues & Questions and Guidance Note will be published on the examination webpages when made available.

Any updates to the hearing programme will be available on the examination webpages.

Live streaming and recording of hearing sessions

The hearing sessions will be live streamed and recorded.

A link to watch the hearing sessions will be placed in the Latest News and Hearing Sessions webpages.

Observing the hearing sessions in person

A limited amount of seating will be provided for those that wish to observe the hearing sessions in person.

As this seating is limited, remote viewing is encouraged where possible. Support staff for participants should be kept to a minimum. Large parties may not be able to be accommodated.

Observer seating will be allocated on first come first served basis. If seating capacity is reached then any excess observers would need to watch the proceedings remotely.

If you wish to observe any hearing sessions in person, if you have not already, please advise the Programme Officer which sessions you wish to observe as soon as possible. Please include your name and all the names of the people in your party and which matter and issue you wish to observe.

Only people listed as participants in the hearing programme are allowed to speak during the hearings. Observers are not allowed to speak as part of the hearings.

Do not sit in any reserved seats - these are only for people taking part in the hearing.

If you have any specific needs, please let me know in advance of the hearings.

Parking, directions and local transport

The hearing venue is located near the Town Centre where there are multiple car parks. Swan Walk is the closest car park. For more information on Town Centre parking, please visit:

https://www.horsham.gov.uk/parking/horsham-town-centre-parking

The hearing venue is located a 5 min walk away from Horsham’s central bus station.

Travelling by bus: https://www.horsham.community/a-map-of-horsham-bus-routes/

Horsham’s train station is located approximately a 15/20 min walk.

Travelling by train: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/horsham/

Participants and Hot Seating

The Inspector’s guidance notes explain the role of the Inspectors and the purpose of the hearings. These notes alongside the Inspector’s Draft Hearing Agenda will help guide the discussion during the sessions.

If you are taking part in the hearings, please check the latest programme to confirm the hearing times. All participants should make sure they are listed as participants for all the sessions they expect to participate in.

If your name is missing, contact the Programme Officer straight away.

Participants are responsible for checking the timetable and being on time.

The Programme Officer will endeavour to inform the participants of any late changes to the timetable, but it is the responsibility of participants to keep themselves up to date with the arrangements and programme.

You must also be ready to attend Reserve sessions listed in the programme. The Inspector will use this if any earlier sessions run out of time.

All participants need nameplates. Please make sure the Programme Officer has the names of your participant so she can prepare your nameplates in advance.

There is limited space at the hearing table. A limited number of extra seats ("hot seats") will be available for representors who request more than one speaker. All requests may not be able to be accommodated.

It is intended that hot seats are only available for people who will be speaking. Support staff who are not speaking at the hearings should be kept to a minimum and watch proceedings on the live stream or recording.

Please tell the Programme Officer the names of all your participants, including hot seaters.

If you are listed as a participant or hot seater, a nameplate will be placed at your seat. This is your assigned seat - please do not move it or sit anywhere else.

The Planning Inspectorate has produced a short guide for anyone taking part in a Local Plan Examination for the first time:

Local plans guide to taking part in examinations (opens new window)

Food and Refreshments

No food or hot drinks can be taken into the Council Chamber.

The hearing venue is situated near the Town centre where there are multiple food outlets.

Accessibility

The hearing venue is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop. With disabled toilets provided.

If you have any specific needs, please inform the Programme Officer as soon as possible.

Plug sockets

The hearing venue has integrated sockets for participants. All attendees should make sure any devices are fully charged in preparation for the hearing sessions.

Wi-Fi

Publicly accessible wi-fi is available at all hearing venues. Please speak to the Programme Officer if you need any assistance in accessing this.