How we examine significant infrastructure projects (SIP)

We assess a proposed significant infrastructure project by holding an ‘examination’. This guidance explains the process. We have also produced a less detailed guide for communities.

After we accept an application for examination, we publicise it and ask for comments during a six week ‘representation period’. 

We register anyone who sends us a comment as an ‘interested party’.

We then:

• review the application and any comments received
• identify the main issues
• decide the examination procedure
• set a timetable showing key dates for the examination

We can examine applications in writing (‘written representations’) or at a public event called a hearing, inquiry or open-floor hearing.

How we decide the procedure is explained below. We make the decision within 28 days of the end of the representation period unless the applicant wants to add more land for compulsory purchase (a legal power to buy land or buildings without the owner agreeing).

Hearings

Examinations usually include a hearing. This is a meeting to discuss specific issues. The meeting is led by the examining inspectors who ask questions about the application, supporting evidence and the views of participants.

You can bring a professional advisor to a hearing, but you cannot formally present evidence or question others unless the examining inspectors allow it.

Written representations

We use written representations when a hearing would not help the examination. This is usually when:

• the issues are straightforward and the examining inspectors can understand them from the documents and a site visit
• the facts and evidence do not need to be tested by questioning anyone
• no compulsory purchase of land is proposed

Open-floor hearing

We hold an open-floor hearing if someone requests it in their written comment submitted during the representation period.

At an open-floor hearing:

• interested parties can speak on the issues they choose
• speakers can nominate a spokesperson to avoid repeating issues
• observers who have submitted a written comment may take part if the examining inspectors agree
• the applicant is allowed to reply

At the start of an open-floor hearing, the examining inspectors confirm which order participants will speak. They may set a time limit for speaking.

Inquiries

We hold inquiries for more complex issues. This is usually when:

• the evidence is highly technical or legal in nature, contested by competing evidence, and needs to be questioned by barristers or solicitors
• evidence needs to be given under oath

The amount of local interest in a case is not usually a reason for holding an inquiry, particularly if the comments raise similar concerns.

An inquiry is more formal than a hearing. Questioning is usually led by barristers or solicitors. Witnesses give evidence and answer questions.

Participating in hearings and inquiries

Anyone can observe a hearing or inquiry, but the examining inspectors decide who will participate. Observers may be able to speak, but this cannot be guaranteed. 

If you are not listed in the primary examination notice as a hearing or inquiry invitee, and you want to take part, email PEDW.Infrastructure@gov.wales as early as possible. You must explain why you think you should be allowed to participate.

Any landowner affected by a compulsory purchase will automatically be invited to participate in a hearing or inquiry.

At a hearing or inquiry, we can:

• pause and restart the session
• continue without all parties present
• ask disruptive parties to leave
• refuse to hear irrelevant or repeated evidence

At the start, we will explain the matters for discussion and confirm the order witnesses give evidence. Participants may be asked to submit closing submissions within 7 days.

See our guide for communities for more advice on hearings and inquiries.

Site visits

Examining inspectors will visit the site and local area. Where everything can be seen from a public place, site visits will be unaccompanied. If this is not possible, arrangements will be made for inspectors to be given access. There will be no discussion of the proposal during the site visit.

Requests for the examining inspectors to visit certain locations should be made as part of written comments in line with the specified deadlines.

Changes to the procedure

We may change how we examine the application. For example, if:

• someone submits evidence which raises a new issue
• someone withdraws their representation

Examination management meetings

We sometimes hold meetings to discuss how the examination will run. These meetings focus on practical matters, not the details of the application.

Meetings may cover:

• the order in which different issues will be examined
• arrangements for online or in-person sessions
• language or translation needs
• support for participants who need extra help

You can only take part if we invite you. We always invite the applicant. We may allow others to observe.

Meetings are usually held online. We usually send participants a meeting notice at least 14 days before. The notice identifies:

• the purpose of the meeting
• the agenda, timings, and participants
• a virtual meeting link

We will hold the meeting even if some invitees cannot attend. We publish a summary on the casework portal.

After we decide how to examine an application, we send a primary examination notice to all examination participants within 5 working days.

Primary examination notice (PEN)

The primary examination notice, sometimes referred to as the PEN, sets out:

• matters to be examined by written representations
• matters and questions for hearings or inquiries
• any further information requested by the examining inspectors
• the timetable for all sessions and key deadlines
• parties invited to take part in sessions (the applicant is always included)
• names of people with the right to speak at open-floor hearings
• location of events or online links for virtual attendance
• guidance for participants and observers
• deadline for our decision report or recommendation to Welsh ministers

Responsibilities

All parties must:

• read the primary examination notice
• follow deadlines, as extensions are only given in exceptional cases
• confirm or request attendance at an open-floor hearing before the given deadline

Further written representations

We may ask for further written representations. These may or may not be in connection with a hearing or inquiry. The primary examination notice explains:

• who should submit them
• the matters or questions to cover
• submission deadlines
• how the 3,000-word limit applies

If your written statement for an inquiry is over 1,500 words, you must provide a summary of up to 1,500 words.

The primary examination notice will invite the applicant to respond to any comments made during the consultation period.

It will also invite any landowner affected by a compulsory purchase to provide a further written representation.

When hearings and inquiries take place

Unless the applicant has applied to change the application, or the examining inspectors need more information, sessions start within 10 weeks after the representation period ends.

Participants invited to a hearing or inquiry session will be given at least 6 weeks’ notice. The applicant must publicise the hearing or inquiry in a local newspaper and on a notice near the application site, 4 weeks before. 

Changing the timetable

We may change the timetable if:

• the applicant asks to change the application (‘a variation’) and we agree
• the examination procedure changes
• there is a delay in receiving written representations
• a suitable venue cannot be found
• key personnel cannot attend
• we need more information before the sessions can start

We will notify invitees at least 6 weeks before any rearranged hearing, inquiry or open-floor hearing.

If new evidence or facts arise after the examination closes, we will ask participants whether they want a hearing or inquiry to be reopened. We may ask for new written evidence.

Extending the decision deadline

We expect to decide applications within 52 weeks of accepting the application. 

We may extend this period if:

• the application is complex or has multiple parts
• the application is changed during the examination
• we need to consider new evidence or planning policy changes
• we need more environmental assessments
• unforeseen circumstances prevent meeting the original deadline

We normally seek the applicant’s consent unless the Welsh Ministers have issued a direction to extend the examination period. 

The primary examination notice is updated to include the new target date for issuing the decision or report. 

• Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024
• The Infrastructure Consent (Examination and Decision) (Procedure) (Wales) Regulations 2025
• The Infrastructure Consent (Compulsory Acquisition) (Wales) Regulations 2025