Reference Royal Mail?s representations as submitted on 12 October 2016 as below and attached, are you able to advise what the applicant has done to address our client?s concerns? In particular, as requested by our client has National Grid made a commitment to fully consult with all major road users, including Royal Mail, in advance of construction works taking place? I am conscious that the Examination is scheduled to close on 9 March 2016.
I have copied National Grid?s case team so that they can respond direct.
Many thanks.

The examination of an application begins on the last day of the Preliminary Meeting and in normal circumstances has to be completed within 6 months. The Examining Authority (ExA) examines the key issues arising from an application for development consent. They consider written representations submitted by the applicant and other participants, and will generally ask questions in order to clarify points raised and to obtain further information. In some circumstances hearings may be held at which the applicant and other interested parties may speak. During this particular examination, three hearings have also taken place.
The examination is first and foremost a written process, based upon the relevant and written representations of interested parties and the written responses to questions asked by the ExA. As written evidence is such an important part of the examination, it is essential that you make any points you wish to make in writing, before the deadlines set by the ExA.
In relation to your request as to what the applicant has done to address your clients concerns, I see that the written representation on behalf of Royal Mail was submitted at Deadline 2 of the examination. The applicant along with any other party was given an opportunity to submit comments on written representations at Deadline 3. These were subsequently made available to all parties including the applicants who submitted their comments on written representations dated 2 November 2015, a copy can be accessed here: attachment 1 There is a response to Royal Mail on page 27, which is listed at number 7. We do not appear to have received any further representations from Royal Mail however all representations submitted to the examination can be accessed on the examination library: attachment 2
The examination is as you say, due to close on or before Wednesday 9 March 2016 and therefore if Royal Mail consider the applicant?s response at Deadline 3 does not address Royal Mail?s concerns, or if you wish to submit any further representation I would encourage you to do so as a matter of urgency.
Please note anything received after the close of examination will not be forwarded to the ExA however a copy will be held in the office and will be forwarded to the Secretary of State alongside the ExA?s recommendation report at the time of submission.
I would also request, you avoid copying in other parties to emails addressed to the Planning Inspectorate in the event a discussion between parties being likely to take place as this is an open and transparent process meaning any material submitted for the examination would need to be forwarded to the ExA and accepted to be part of the examination.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.