Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:25 pm  

Theres a very real chance LCC could win it. Whilst it makes sense that it should get the green light nobody truely knows how the planning officer will see it and on which side he will fall. Nobody on either side could give a geniunely unbiased view on proceedings so it is impossible to know until the result is announced in early april. The case for development is a strong one but don't think for a minute that it is a foregone conclusion. Theres still major battles to be won during this inquiry yet.

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:32 pm  

In the year 2011, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living England and said, "I see your country has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing, along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - But no Ark.

"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval because the Ark was over 30m2. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system.

My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission prior to building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site even though in my view it is a temporary structure, but the roof is too high. I had to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision.

The Local Area Access Group complained that my ramp was going to be too steep, and the inside of the Ark wasn't fully accessible, then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea.

I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many ethnic minority people I'm supposed to hire for my building team.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS-accredited workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the Customs and Excise seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "Does this mean you're not going to destroy England after all?"

"No," said the Lord. "The Government has obviously already beaten me to it!"

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:39 pm  

kyassor wrote:

In the year 2011, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living England and said, "I see your country has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing, along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - But no Ark.

"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval because the Ark was over 30m2. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system.

My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission prior to building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site even though in my view it is a temporary structure, but the roof is too high. I had to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision.

The Local Area Access Group complained that my ramp was going to be too steep, and the inside of the Ark wasn't fully accessible, then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea.

I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many ethnic minority people I'm supposed to hire for my building team.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS-accredited workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the Customs and Excise seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "Does this mean you're not going to destroy England after all?"

"No," said the Lord. "The Government has obviously already beaten me to it!"

Now this is a work of genius... I am having it!

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:42 pm  

Inflatable_Armadillo wrote:

irish tiger wrote:

Out of curiosity, what date is the PI over? What date would you expect to find out the result of said inquiry and finally should you get the green light to commence building, when do you anticipate to be able to start?

No trolling, just genuine interest.

Its a sign of the times that i have to add the above line to get a sensible answer these days

Ends on 23rd December, decision expected from SoS in March/April next year (the inspector's report is due on March 17th 2012). The decision from the SoS is the green light, work on preparing site could start straight away but obviously it might take a couple of months before it does. Reserved Matters approval will be required for Stadium (or any other elements), but that is all, so I think actual stadium build will commence latest 4th quarter of 2012. This ties in nicely with opening for start of 2014 season.

Just out of interest should we get the green light is reserved matters ready to be applied for immediately?

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:46 pm  

Inflatable_Armadillo wrote:

Now this is a work of genius... I am having it!

Then I'm worried, because the planning inspector is going to think that you're a complete and utter nutter... and I'd have to agree.

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:47 pm  

Tricky2309 wrote:

RebelRebel wrote:

Tricky2309 wrote:

I think if I was Leeds CC I would be asking to see this Barristers qualifications as he seems like a first rate numpty. Admittedly, he doesn't appear to have much of a case to work with, but on that basis surely best advice would have been to remove the objection rather than wasting tax payers money

Don't blame the barrister. It's his job to represent his client, with whatever means he has at his disposal. Blame the person who contracted him in the first place, and committed so much public money in what appears to be just an attempt to show his electorate he's worthy of another (lucrative) term in office.

Depends what his initial advice was after reviewing the case. If he told Leeds CC the case was weak and they pressed on with it fair enough. However, if he didn't give them advice on the strength of their case then IMO he has not done his job properly.

I have said this before, even banged to rights murderers get a barrister! There job is to serve their client and he is there to argue their case, no matter how flimsy it might be!

I suspect he is a very good barrister and I suspect he spends most of his time, and makes most of his money, arguing on the other side of the fence and not the side he find himself on at the moment! However, if straw clutching is required, that is what he will do to serve his client... and he seems to have clutched many straws so far!

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:53 pm  

Theboyem wrote:

Inflatable_Armadillo wrote:

irish tiger wrote:

Out of curiosity, what date is the PI over? What date would you expect to find out the result of said inquiry and finally should you get the green light to commence building, when do you anticipate to be able to start?

No trolling, just genuine interest.

Its a sign of the times that i have to add the above line to get a sensible answer these days

Ends on 23rd December, decision expected from SoS in March/April next year (the inspector's report is due on March 17th 2012). The decision from the SoS is the green light, work on preparing site could start straight away but obviously it might take a couple of months before it does. Reserved Matters approval will be required for Stadium (or any other elements), but that is all, so I think actual stadium build will commence latest 4th quarter of 2012. This ties in nicely with opening for start of 2014 season.

Just out of interest should we get the green light is reserved matters ready to be applied for immediately?

I don't think they would rush reserved matters now, as there is no reason to rush it any more. I also understand that Wakefield College is very likely to come on board when outline is granted, meaning that agreements will have to be sorted and their plans finalised for the sports hall, lecture space and stuff. I think it would be maybe 2 or 3 months before reserved matters, and they need to clear and prepare the site in this time anyway and they can do this under outline, to aim to start on the stadium in Autumn/Winter 2012 for a 2014 season opening.

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:54 pm  

RebelRebel wrote:

Inflatable_Armadillo wrote:

Now this is a work of genius... I am having it!

Then I'm worried, because the planning inspector is going to think that you're a complete and utter nutter... and I'd have to agree.

Bloody hell... someone has sussed me out!

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:56 pm  

sixtogo wrote:

Theres a very real chance LCC could win it. Whilst it makes sense that it should get the green light nobody truely knows how the planning officer will see it and on which side he will fall. Nobody on either side could give a geniunely unbiased view on proceedings so it is impossible to know until the result is announced in early april. The case for development is a strong one but don't think for a minute that it is a foregone conclusion. Theres still major battles to be won during this inquiry yet.

Here, here! Confident... yes! Complacent... no!

The bloke sat in the middle might just have different ideas and he is the only person whose opinion really counts!

Re: The Public enquiry outcome : Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:13 pm  

There has been talk of this land being taken out of green belt by WMDC. If they want to do this do they have to justify themselves to the government. If the PI answer is no then could the council take this land out of green belt anyway allowing the development to start and if so what are the times scales?