LOSRA has had enough experience of planning appeals to know that it is never wise to attempt second guessing the possible outcomes. What can be said without doubt is that, as the official Third Party to the eleven day proceedings, the best possible case was put before the Planning Inspector. The Inquiry itself was the culmination of months of preparatory work by a dedicated team of LOSRA witnesses whose evidence survived all material rebuttals and often hostile cross-examination. Despite this and recognising that difficult moments are to be expected at such proceedings, the Inquiry was conducted with unfailing courtesy and good humour on the part of all advocates.
We are not clear as to the time scale before the judgement will become known as the Planning Inspector must first report with his recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. It will be for the Minister to make the final decision and there is no way of telling how long this may take. A best (though not particularly helpful) guess would be mid-September to mid-October.
LOSRA is very grateful to all those who took the time out to attend this lengthy and sometimes very technical Inquiry. The silent support of those in the public gallery was a great encouragement to all the LOSRA participants.
