Tidal Lagoon Power Plc copied the Planning Inspectorate into email correspondence between themselves and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

The Planning Inspectorate (the Inspectorate) have been copied into email correspondence between Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc (TLSB) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Whilst the Inspectorate have previously stated (by email on 25 March 2014) that it is not the role of the Inspectorate to get involved in discussions between parties during the pre-examination stage we have decided upon the receipt of your email of 25 March 2014 that s.51 advice may assist all parties.
It is common practice for the pre-examination stage to be used to prepare for the examination by applicants discussing issues with potential interested parties to ensure an effective examination, and the Planning Inspectorate encourages this. However, it is important that any information that may have a bearing on the examination or influence a representation, should be made available to all interested parties during the examination to ensure an open, fair and transparent examination.
Particular consideration should be given to the dissemination of environmental or other information to parties during the pre-examination stage which may have implications for information included in the Environmental Statement (ES). For example, such information may be additional to that included in the ES or otherwise render the ES unable to be read as a standalone document. Any information that was relied upon in producing the ES should have been referenced in the ES.
Where any information is being disseminated to parties during the pre-examination stage, for example to clarify points, its derivation, status and purpose should be made clear. How any such information relates to the ES and other application documents should also be made clear.
It is important that a clear paper trail is available for any party wishing to understand the application and participate in the examination. Any such information should be formally submitted into the examination at the earliest possible opportunity.