Hearing sessions
The hearing sessions will start at 10:00am on Tuesday 24 February 2026 in the Walker Room at:
Meeting Point House
Southwater Square
Telford Town Centre
Telford
TF3 4HS
The indicative hearings programme includes further information on the dates and times.
View the indicative hearings programme
Live streaming and recording of hearing sessions
The hearing sessions will not be live streamed; however, the Council are planning to record the hearing sessions and publish the recording online after the hearing session has finished.
The weekly sessions will be published by close of business the following Tuesday.
Microphones
Please note that during the hearing sessions, when invited to speak by the Inspectors, participants must press the button on their microphone before speaking.
The microphones are for recording purposes only and there may be no audible indication that the microphone is active. If the button is not pressed, your contribution will not be captured on the recording of the hearing session.
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.
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, direct participants in the 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.
Parking, directions and local transport
Meeting Point House is located in the Southwater development, only a short walk from Telford Town Centre and approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the main Telford Bus Station, located in-between Bella Italia and Novello Lounge and opposite British Heart Foundation.
Car Parking. There are a number of car parks that service Meeting Point House, the two nearest locations are the main Southwater Car Park (Northfield St, Telford TF3 4EJ) and the Telford Town Centre Brown Elm Car Park (Telford TF3 4BX).
Parking machines accept contactless payment.
From Birmingham exit at Junction 5 M54, take the second exit off the first round about on to Forge Gate. Forge Gate becomes Lawn Central. Take the third exit at the next roundabout on to Grange Central. At the next roundabout take the second exit (turning right onto Coach Central). Town centre parking is available on the left.
From Shrewsbury exit at Junction 5 M54, take the third exit off the first round about on to Forge Gate. Forge Gate becomes Lawn Central. Take the third exit at the next roundabout on to Grange Central. At the next roundabout take the second exit (turning right onto Coach Central). Town centre parking is available on the left.
From Telford Train Station. There is a bus link from the station to Telford Shopping Centre every 6 minutes from 7:30am to 6:30pm. Taxis are available outside the station. Walking time from the Train Station is approximately 15 minutes and from the Bus Station 5 minutes.
Participants and Hot Seating
The Inspectors guidance notes explain the role of the Inspectors and the purpose of the hearings. These notes alongside the Inspectors’ Matters, Issues and Questions 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 Inspectors will use these 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 number of extra seats ("hot seats") will be available for representors who request more than one speaker.
It is intended that hot seats are only available for people who will be speaking. Where possible it is suggested that support staff are kept to a minimum due to limited seating.
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
There is an onsite café, daily opening times 09:00-15:00
The hearing venue is situated approximately 3 to 4 minutes’ walk to numerous food outlets.
Accessibility
The hearing venue is wheelchair accessible. With disabled toilets provided.
A hearing loop system is installed at the hearing venue.
If you have any specific needs, please tell the Programme Officer as soon as possible.
Plug sockets
The hearing venue has a limited number of floor extension sockets. As there are limited numbers of these, please ensure any devices you plan to use are fully charged before the hearing sessions.
Wi-Fi
Publicly accessible wi-fi is available at the hearing venue. Please speak to the Programme Officer if you need any assistance in accessing this.