The PAC operates a number of different procedures to hear an appeal. Full details are set out on their website www.pacni.gov.uk. The various procedures are, in brief, as follows:
• Written representations without an accompanied site visit,
• Written representations with an accompanied site visit,
• Informal hearing and
• Formal hearing.
The PAC's website sets out at Appendix 11 of their Procedures for Planning Appeals the procedural charts giving an indication of likely timescales depending on the procedure adopted. If either party requests a hearing, the PAC is required to allow them a hearing although they will determine which type of hearing to hold, depending on the complexity of the case. The PAC has indicated in their present guide the following minimum periods from the date of the receipt of a valid appeal (i.e., when the PAC has received the appeals form and necessary cheques and other information required) to the date of determination of the appeal:
• 17 weeks - written representations without an accompanied site visit
• 18 weeks - written representations with an accompanied site visit
• 20 weeks - informal hearing
• 29 weeks - formal hearing.