Mock public inquiry helps train planning enforcement officers
Tuesday 29th March 2011
Leading law firm Ashfords held a mock public inquiry to help train planning enforcement officers from local authorities all over the South West in how to give evidence.
'Actors’ from Ashfords’ highly-experienced planning team, led by Partner John Bosworth, went through the inquiry step-by-step, using the example of a council taking action against a resident who - without planning permission - was utilising a barn as a dwelling house partly as a result of keeping a caravan inside it.
The event at Ashfords' office on Exeter Business Park was attended by two local authority solicitors, as well as 16 members of the Federation of South West Planning Enforcement Officers, some of whom also acted as witnesses for the fictitious authority and landowner. Tony Mason and John Bosworth took on roles as solicitor advocates, Keith Oliver was the Inspector and Emma O'Gorman played a member of the public.
John Bosworth said: “It was the first time we have held a mock public inquiry, but we felt it was an excellent way for enforcement officers to really learn about procedures and how to give evidence. The success of this event means we are likely to hold something similar in the future."
Sheila O'Brien, Chair of the Federation and a planning enforcement officer at North Devon Council, said: "The mock inquiry was a great success from our point of view and the feedback from those attending was very positive. I thought the timing was spot on and all the main elements of the case were highlighted."
For more information, contact John Bosworth on 01392 333842 or j.bosworth@ashfords.co.uk
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