We chose a hearing over an inquiry to prevent our supporters being subject to formal cross examination. It also allowed opposition, be it from the Council or any local individuals, to be conveyed in an unstructured and consequently, potentially, ineffective way. This is not to under-estimate the carefully planned and detailed communication of our own case, with all consultants in attendance to contribute as necessary under clear guidance from our Counsel. Three hours in a hearing room and an hour on site gives all concerned plenty of time to say the wrong thing. Within 8 days we had the result, Appeal Allowed! In the time it took to read an email, our site went from being an expensive field to being a wonderful, potentially award winning (to quote the DRP), but as-yet-unbuilt, house. Two weeks later we were in Covid lockdown.
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