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A draft statement of common ground is a written statement containing factual information about the proposal which is the subject of the appeal that the appellant reasonably considers will not be disputed by the local planning authority.

An agreed statement of common ground is essential to ensure that the evidence considered at a hearing or an inquiry focuses on the material differences between the appellant and the local planning authority. It will provide a commonly understood basis for the appellant and the local planning authority and provide context to inform the statements of case and, for an inquiry, the subsequent production of proofs of evidence.