The Planning Inspectorate has postponed all site visits, hearings and inquiries in response to UK government social distancing.
The decision will apply to physical meetings in all cases, impacting planning appeals, national infrastructure applications and Local Plans.
The inspectorate is exploring online tools to continue running planning inquiries and hearings, with video conferencing for events.
It is also examining which cases could proceed without a site visit, and alternatives for those that still require this.
In a statement the department said: “We want to ensure everyone involved including local communities can participate fairly and this different way of conducting work does not undermine confidence in the planning system.”
The department said it did not expect the cancelled meetings to delay nationally significant infrastructure projects, where the examination process is primarily written.
It said it continued to make good progress on most projects, but noted that some organisations have opted to delay submissions.
The Planning Inspectorate added: “Clearly the situation caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a significant impact to the planning sector. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette
