What happens if objections are received?
If objections are received and not subsequently withdrawn, the Minister will either arrange for a public local inquiry to be held or, where all the statutory objectors agree to it, arrange for objections to be considered through written representations. An inquiry should normally be held within 22 weeks of the date when the Minister confirms that one is required. The inquiry is held before an Inspector appointed by the Minister who will normally be a specialist with particular suitability to the scheme which is the subject of the CPO. The Council will appoint its own representative – sometimes one of its own specialist staff, or sometimes an expert from one of the agencies working with us – who will present our case. They will do this by making the opening statement explaining what land and property we need to acquire, and why we need it. Witnesses appearing to support the Council will be called to give evidence, after which they may be cross-examined by the objectors. After this, obje
