Commentary on Sections Part 5: Correction of Errors Sections 56-59: Correction of errors in decisions
89.These sections deal with the introduction of a “slip rule” for certain decisions made by the Secretary of State or an inspector under the planning Acts. The Secretary of State and planning inspectors will have power, subject to various conditions, to correct specified types of errors contained in decision letters.
90.This section applies if the Secretary of State or an inspector issues a decision document which contains a correctable error. “Correctable error” is defined as an error which is contained in any part of the decision document which records the decision but which is not part of any reasons given for the decision. The Secretary of State or the inspector may correct the error where he is requested to do so in writing, or where he has written to the applicant explaining that he is considering making a correction.