These Rules prescribe the procedure to be followed in connection with local inquiries relating to applications for planning permission or for the approval of a local planning authority required under a development order held by the Secretary of State in England, where he thinks that the development to which the application relates is of national or regional importance. They have been made in consequence of the enactment of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which inserted new sections 76A and 76B into the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.