For Article 7 of the principal Order (inquiries relating to development plans) substitute—

“Independent examination7.

(1)

The Department may cause an independent examination to be carried out by the planning appeals commission for the purpose of considering objections to a development plan or to the alteration, repeal or replacement of a development plan.

(2)

Any person who makes objections to a development plan or to the alteration, repeal or replacement of a development plan shall, if he so requests, be given the opportunity to appear before and be heard by the planning appeals commission.”.

For Article 25A of the principal Order (power of Department to decline to determine applications) substitute—

“Power to decline to determine subsequent application25A.

(1)

The Department may decline to determine a relevant application if—

(a)

any of the conditions in paragraphs (2) to (4) is satisfied; and

(b)

the Department thinks there has been no significant change in the relevant considerations since the relevant event.

(2)

The condition is that in the period of 2 years ending with the date on which the application mentioned in paragraph (1) is received the Department has refused a similar application under Article 31.

(3)

The condition is that in that period the planning appeals commission has dismissed an appeal—

(a)

against the refusal of a similar application; or

(b)

under Article 33 in respect of a similar application.

(4)

The condition is that—

(a)

in that period the Department has refused more than one similar application; and

(b)

there has been no appeal to the planning appeals commission against any such refusal.

(5)

A relevant application is an application for planning permission for the development of any land.

(6)

The relevant considerations are—

(a)

the development plan so far as material to the application;

(b)

any other material considerations.

(7)

The relevant event is—

(a)

for the purposes of paragraphs (2) and (4) the refusal of the similar application;

(b)

for the purposes of paragraph (3) the dismissal of the appeal.

(8)

An application for planning permission is similar to another application if (and only if) the Department thinks that the development and the land to which the applications relate are the same or substantially the same.

Power to decline to determine overlapping application25AA.

(1)

The Department may decline to determine an application for planning permission for the development of any land which is made at a time when any of the conditions in paragraphs (2) to (4) applies in relation to a similar application.

(2)

The condition is that a similar application is under consideration by the Department and the determination period for that application has not expired.

(3)

The condition is that a similar application is under consideration by—

(a)

the Department in pursuance of Article 31; or

(b)

the planning appeals commission on an appeal under Article 32 or 33,

and the Department or, as the case may be, the planning appeals commission, has not issued its decision.

(4)

The condition is that a similar application—

(a)

has been granted by the Department;

(b)

has been refused by the Department; or

(c)

has not been determined by the Department within the determination period,

and the time within which an appeal could be made to the planning appeals commission under Article 32 or 33 has not expired.

(5)

An application for planning permission is similar to another application if (and only if) the Department thinks that the development and the land to which the applications relate are the same or substantially the same.

(6)

The determination period is—

(a)

the period specified by the development order for the determination of the application; or

(b)

such longer period as the applicant and the Department have agreed for the determination of the application.”.

After paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the principal Order (determination of applications for listed building consent) insert—

“Power to decline to determine application

Power to decline to determine subsequent application

4A.

(1)

The Department may decline to determine an application for a relevant consent if—

(a)

one or more of the conditions in sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) is satisfied; and

(b)

the Department thinks there has been no significant change in any material considerations since the relevant event.

(2)

The condition is that in the period of 2 years ending with the date on which the application mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) is received the Department has refused a similar application made under paragraph 1.

(3)

The condition is that in that period the planning appeals commission has dismissed an appeal—

(a)

against the refusal of a similar application; or

(b)

under paragraph 8 in respect of a similar application.

(4)

The condition is that—

(a)

in that period the Department has refused more than one similar application; and

(b)

there has been no appeal to the planning appeals commission against any such refusal.

(5)

Relevant consent is—

(a)

listed building consent; or

(b)

consent under Article 51 (conservation area consent).

(6)

The relevant event is—

(a)

for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (2) and (4) the refusal of the similar application;

(b)

for the purposes of sub-paragraph (3) the dismissal of the appeal.

(7)

An application for relevant consent is similar to another application if (and only if) the Department thinks that the building and works to which the applications relate are the same or substantially the same.

(8)

For the purposes of an application for consent under Article 51 (conservation area consent) a reference to a provision of this Order is a reference to that provision as excepted or modified by regulations under Article 51(5).

Power to decline to determine overlapping application

4B.

(1)

The Department may decline to determine an application for a relevant consent which is made at a time when any of the conditions in sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) applies in relation to a similar application.

(2)

The condition is that a similar application is under consideration by the Department and the determination period for that application has not expired.

(3)

The condition is that a similar application is under consideration by the planning appeals commission on an appeal under paragraph 7 or 8 and the commission has not issued its decision.

(4)

The condition is that a similar application—

(a)

has been granted by the Department;

(b)

has been refused by the Department; or

(c)

has not been determined by the Department within the determination period,

and the time within which an appeal could be made to the planning appeals commission under paragraph 7 or 8 has not expired.

(5)

Relevant consent is—

(a)

listed building consent; or

(b)

consent under Article 51 (conservation area consent).

(6)

An application for relevant consent is similar to another application if (and only if) the Department thinks that the building and works to which the applications relate are the same or substantially the same.

(7)

The determination period is—

(a)

the period prescribed for the determination of the application; or

(b)

such longer period as the applicant and the Department have agreed for the determination of the application.

(8)

For the purposes of an application for consent under Article 51 (conservation area consent) a reference to a provision of this Order is a reference to that provision as excepted or modified by regulations under Article 51(5).”.

In Article 28 of the principal Order (permission to develop land without compliance with conditions previously attached), after paragraph (4) add—

“(5)

Planning permission shall not be granted under this Article to the extent that it has effect to change a condition subject to which a previous planning permission was granted by extending the time within which—

(a)

a development must be begun;

(b)

an application for approval of reserved matters (within the meaning of Article 35) must be made.”.

In paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 to that Order (listed building consent to execute works without compliance with conditions previously attached), after sub-paragraph (4) add—

“(5)

Listed building consent shall not be granted under this paragraph to the extent that it has effect to change a condition subject to which a previous listed building consent was granted by extending the time limit within which the works must be begun.”.

After Article 67D of the principal Order insert—

“Temporary stop notices

Temporary stop notice67E.

(1)

This Article applies if the Department thinks—

(a)

that there has been a breach of planning control in relation to any land; and

(b)

that it is expedient that the activity (or any part of the activity) which amounts to the breach is stopped immediately.

(2)

The Department may issue a temporary stop notice.

(3)

The notice shall be in writing and shall—

(a)

specify the activity which the Department thinks amounts to the breach;

(b)

prohibit the carrying on of the activity (or of so much of the activity as is specified in the notice);

(c)

set out the Department's reasons for issuing the notice.

(4)

A temporary stop notice may be served on any of the following—

(a)

the person who the Department thinks is carrying on the activity;

(b)

a person who the Department thinks is an occupier of the land;

(c)

a person who the Department thinks has an estate in the land.

(5)

The Department shall display on the land—

(a)

a copy of the notice;

(b)

a statement of the effect of the notice and of Article 67G.

(6)

A temporary stop notice has effect from the time a copy of it is first displayed in pursuance of paragraph (5).

(7)

A temporary stop notice ceases to have effect—

(a)

at the end of the period of 28 days starting on the day the copy notice is so displayed;

(b)

at the end of such shorter period starting on that day as is specified in the notice; or

(c)

if it is withdrawn by the Department.

Temporary stop notice: restrictions67F.

(1)

A temporary stop notice does not prohibit—

(a)

any person from continuing to use any building, caravan or other structure situated on land to which the temporary stop notice relates as his permanent residence whether as owner, occupier, tenant, patient, guest or otherwise;

(b)

the carrying out of an activity of such description or in such circumstances as is prescribed.

(2)

A temporary stop notice does not prohibit the carrying out of any activity which has been carried out (whether continuously or not) for a period of 4 years ending with the day on which the copy of the notice is first displayed as mentioned in Article 67E(6).

(3)

Paragraph (2) does not prevent a temporary stop notice prohibiting—

(a)

activity consisting of or incidental to building, engineering, mining or other operations; or

(b)

the deposit of refuse or waste materials.

(4)

For the purposes of paragraph (2) any period during which the activity is authorised by planning permission shall be ignored.

(5)

A second or subsequent temporary stop notice shall not be issued in respect of the same activity unless the Department has first taken some other enforcement action in relation to the breach of planning control which is constituted by the activity.

(6)

In paragraph (5) enforcement action includes obtaining the grant of an injunction under Article 76B.

Temporary stop notice: offences67G.

(1)

A person commits an offence if he contravenes a temporary stop notice—

(a)

which has been served on him; or

(b)

a copy of which has been displayed in accordance with Article 67E(5).

(2)

Contravention of a temporary stop notice includes causing or permitting the contravention of the notice.

(3)

An offence under this Article may be charged by reference to a day or a longer period of time.

(4)

A person may be convicted of more than one such offence in relation to the same temporary stop notice by reference to different days or periods of time.

(5)

A person does not commit an offence under this Article if he proves—

(a)

that the temporary stop notice was not served on him; and

(b)

that he did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, of its existence.

(6)

A person convicted of an offence under this Article is liable—

(a)

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding 163 30,000;

(b)

on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(7)

In determining the amount of the fine the court shall have regard in particular to any financial benefit which has accrued or has appeared to accrue to the person convicted in consequence of the offence.”.

After Article 67A of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (NI 17) insert—

“Compensation for loss due to temporary stop notice67B.

(1)

This Article applies if and only if a temporary stop notice is issued and at least one of the following sub-paragraphs applies—

(a)

the activity which is specified in the notice is authorised by planning permission or a development order;

(b)

a certificate in respect of the activity is issued under Article 83A of the Planning Order or granted under that Article by virtue of Article 83E of that Order;

(c)

the Department withdraws the notice.

(2)

Paragraph (1)(a) does not apply if the planning permission is granted on or after the date on which a copy of the notice is first displayed as mentioned in Article 67E(6) of the Planning Order.

(3)

Paragraph (1)(c) does not apply if the notice is withdrawn following the grant of planning permission as mentioned in paragraph (2).

(4)

A person who at the time the notice is served has an estate in the land to which the notice relates is entitled to be compensated by the Department in respect of any loss or damage directly attributable to the prohibition effected by the notice.

(5)

A claim for compensation under this Article shall be made to the Department within the time and in the manner specified by a development order.

(6)

The loss or damage in respect of which compensation is payable under this Article in respect of a prohibition shall include a sum payable in respect of a breach of contract caused by the taking of action necessary to comply with the prohibition.

(7)

No compensation is payable under this Article—

(a)

in respect of the prohibition in a temporary stop notice of any activity which, at any time when the notice is in force, constitutes or contributes to a breach of planning control; or

(b)

in the case of a claimant who was required to provide information under Article 67C or 125 of the Planning Order in respect of any loss or damage suffered by him which could have been avoided if he had provided the information or had otherwise co-operated with the Department when responding to the notice.

(8)

Any question of disputed compensation under this Article shall be determined by the Lands Tribunal.”.

In Article 124 of the principal Order (planning register), in paragraph (1) after sub-paragraph (m) add—

“(n)

temporary stop notices issued under Article 67E;”.

For paragraph (5A) substitute—

“(5A)

Rules under paragraph (5) which provide for the taking of any decision may, in particular, provide for that decision to be taken—

(a)

by a panel of not fewer than 4 commissioners; or

(b)

by a single commissioner.”.

In Part XII of the principal Order before Article 113 (application to Crown land) insert—

“Application to the Crown112A.

(1)

This Order (except Articles 74, 76B, 80 and 82B) binds the Crown.

(2)

But paragraph (1) is subject to express provision made by the following provisions of this Part.

Enforcement in relation to the Crown112B.

(1)

No act or omission done or suffered by or on behalf of the Crown constitutes an offence under this Order.

(2)

But paragraph (1) does not have effect to prohibit the doing of anything by or on behalf of the Crown which falls within the circumstances described in Article 44(7)(a) to (d).

(3)

The Department shall not take any step for the purposes of enforcement in relation to Crown land unless it has the consent of the appropriate authority.

(4)

The appropriate authority may give consent under paragraph (3) subject to such conditions as it thinks appropriate.

(5)

A step taken for the purposes of enforcement is anything done in connection with the enforcement of anything required to be done or prohibited by or under this Order.

(6)

A step taken for the purposes of enforcement includes—

(a)

entering land;

(b)

bringing proceedings;

(c)

the making of an application.

(7)

A step taken for the purposes of enforcement does not include—

(a)

service of a notice;

(b)

the making of an order (other than by a court).

References to an estate in land112C.

(1)

Paragraph (2) applies to the extent that an estate in land is a Crown estate.

(2)

Anything which requires or is permitted to be done by or in relation to the owner of the estate in land shall be done by or in relation to the appropriate authority.

(3)

A person who is entitled to occupy Crown land by virtue of a licence in writing shall be treated for the purposes of this Article as having an estate in that land.

Applications for planning permission, etc. by Crown112D.

(1)

This Article applies to an application for—

(a)

planning permission, listed building consent, hazardous substances consent or conservation area consent; or

(b)

a determination under Article 48 or a certificate under Article 83B.

(2)

The Department may by regulations modify or exclude any statutory provision relating to the making and determination of such applications.

Service of notices on the Crown112E.

(1)

Any notice or other document required under this Order to be served on the Crown shall be served on the appropriate authority.

(2)

Section 24 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33) does not apply for the purposes of the service of such a notice or document.

(3)

“Appropriate authority” shall be construed in accordance with Article 118(1).”.

After Article 123 of the principal Order insert—

“Inquiries to be held in public subject to certain exceptions123A.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), at any public local inquiry or independent examination held under this Order oral evidence shall be heard in public and documentary evidence shall be open to public inspection.

(2)

If the Secretary of State is satisfied in the case of any such inquiry or examination—

(a)

that giving evidence of a particular description or, as the case may be, making it available for inspection would be likely to result in the disclosure of information as to any of the matters mentioned in paragraph (3); and

(b)

that the public disclosure of that information would be contrary to the national interest,

he may direct that evidence of the description indicated in the direction shall only be heard or, as the case may be, open to inspection at that inquiry or examination by such persons or persons of such descriptions as he may specify in the direction.

(3)

The matters referred to in paragraph (2)(a) are—

(a)

national security; and

(b)

the measures taken or to be taken to ensure the security of any premises or property.

(4)

If the Secretary of State is considering giving a direction under paragraph (2) the Advocate General for Northern Ireland may appoint a person to represent the interests of any person who will be prevented from hearing or inspecting any evidence at an inquiry or examination if the direction is given.

(5)

If before the Secretary of State gives a direction under paragraph (2) no person is appointed under paragraph (4), the Advocate General for Northern Ireland may at any time appoint a person as mentioned in paragraph (4) for the purposes of the inquiry or examination.

(6)

The Lord Chancellor may by rules make provision—

(a)

as to the procedure to be followed by the Secretary of State before he gives a direction under paragraph (2) in a case where a person has been appointed under paragraph (4);

(b)

as to the functions of a person appointed under paragraph (4) or (5).

(7)

Rules made under paragraph (6) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in like manner as a statutory instrument and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 shall apply accordingly.

(8)

If a person is appointed under paragraph (4) or (5) (the appointed representative) the Secretary of State may direct any person who he thinks is interested in the inquiry or examination in relation to a matter mentioned in paragraph (3) (the responsible person) to pay the fees and expenses of the appointed representative.

(9)

If the appointed representative and the responsible person are unable to agree the amount of the fees and expenses, the amount shall be determined by the Secretary of State.

(10)

The Secretary of State shall cause the amount agreed between the appointed representative and the responsible person or determined by him to be certified.

(11)

An amount so certified is recoverable from the responsible person as a civil debt.

(12)

In relation to any time before the coming into force of section 27(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, the reference in paragraphs (4) and (5) to the Advocate General for Northern Ireland is to be read as a reference to the Attorney General.

National security123B.

(1)

Where, in relation to an application for planning permission or an application for any consent, certificate, approval or determination under this Order or a development order, the Secretary of State is of the opinion—

(a)

that the consideration by the Department of the application or of any representations or objections made in respect of the application raises matters relating to—

(i)

national security; or

(ii)

the measures taken or to be taken to ensure the security of any premises or property; and

(b)

that the public disclosure of information as to any of those matters would be contrary to the national interest,

he may certify that the application is one to which this Article applies.

(2)

The Department shall, subject to any provision contained in rules under paragraph (3), cause a public local inquiry to be held for the purpose of determining any application to which this Article applies.

(3)

The Secretary of State may by rules make provision—

(a)

for the procedure to be followed in relation to the issue of a certificate under paragraph (1);

(b)

enabling the Department to dispense with an inquiry where the Department has not received any objections or representations in respect of an application to which this Article applies or where every objection or representation made in respect of such an application is withdrawn.

(4)

Articles 31, 32(1), 33, 56, 57(1), 83E, 123(1), paragraphs 7(1) and 8 of Schedule 1, paragraphs 6(11) and (12), 11 and 13 of Schedule 1A and paragraphs 9 and 10 of Schedule 1B do not apply in relation to an application to which this Article applies.

(5)

Rules made under paragraph (3) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in like manner as a statutory instrument and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 shall apply accordingly.

(6)

Section 23 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to an inquiry under paragraph (2) as if that inquiry were an inquiry referred to in that section.”.