text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Planning Bill - Right of oral representations - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  The majority of MPs voted against giving the right to make oral representations to the single planning commissioner, or panel of planning commissioners, who were handling the application.[1]
  
  This proposed change to the Bill was intended to preserve the right for interested parties to cross-examine the applicant, which exists in the current planning system.[2]
  
  Under the new system brought about by this Planning Bill, the evidence would be received in written form,[3] although the Examining Authority (either a single commissioner or a panel of commissioners) could choose to hold hearings on a specific issue[4] or open floor hearings[5] (which does not include the right to ask questions).[2]
  
  * [1] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25a.378.0 Amendment 66] to  [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/071/08071.42-47.html#j738 Clause 85] of the Planning Bill.
  * [2] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25a.360.0#g369.0 
  Paul Truswell MP], House of Commons, 25 June 2008
  * [3] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/071/08071.42-47.html#j738 Written representations], Clause 85 of the Planning Bill, 7 February 2008
  * [4] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/071/08071.42-47.html#j743 Hearings about specific issues], Clause 86 of the Planning Bill, 7 February 2008
  * [5] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/071/08071.42-47.html#j742 Open floor hearings], Clause 87 of the Planning Bill, 7 February 2008
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  