Snippets from the Inquiry

Those regular readers of AudlemOnline already suffering withdrawal symptoms because of a lack of Little Heath Inquiry news over the weekend, will be pleased to read this 'Match of the Day' highlights article.

It contains a number of gems, the sort that would not normally be recorded, as mightier matters are discussed at the Inquiry. We've included also some Goals of the Week. Naturally, any own goals will be excluded!

Our favourite captured the bantering between John Barrett, counsel for Gladman Developments Ltd, the appellant, and Anthony Crean QC on behalf of Cheshire East Council. Asked if the two barristers knew each other, Mr Crean responded about his more mature (in age) opponent:
"We are old friends. We first met 29 years ago when Mr Barrett was already 42." Priceless.

On day two, Mr Barrett landed a blow on the politicians at Cheshire East over a press release from the council that criticised other Planning Inspectors' decisions in recent appeals. "The language is intemperate" he said, and looking at the Inspector,continued: "Something they may yet come to regret."

To which the council's then witness, somewhat embarrassed, added: "I cannot by law comment on our politicians but would only add that I am not quoted in that press release."

On day one, at the lunch break, the attendees from Audlem emerged hungrily from the Inquiry room at Crewe Alex's ground to find a sandwich bar nearby, only to find themselves walking on to a film set for 'Marvellous', a BBC film about a Stoke City FC personality which is to be broadcast on BBC2.

If only the Audlem team had been wearing red and white scarves, they might well have appeared as extras.

The lunch breaks, by the way, have been getting shorter as each day passes. One hour on Day One, forty minutes on Day 2, thirty minutes on Day Three. We estimate that by the end of next week the Audlem team will be down to an intravenous boost, or at best a banana as at Wimbledon during end changes, as the lunch break is reduced to Just a Minute.

Cheshire East's QC and witnesses have been remarkably polite so far about their opponents, Gladman Developments. It was left to Geoff Seddon, appearing on behalf of Audlem Parish Council, to put the record straight, saying:

"I'd like to draw your attention to the statement on the Appellant's website which states that the Gladman organisation is 'A formidable, skilled and highly professional land promoter obsessed with winning consents'.

"The Appellant's website also states 'Gladman only get paid once the site has planning consent and is sold – our motivation to succeed is clear'.

"Their only motive" Geoff said, as the gloves came off, "appears to be profit, based on opportunism.

"We argue that the price of this rapacious, speculative, large scale, high-density development is way too high for Audlem and its residents and totally out of character with the village and strongly urge the Inspector to dismiss this Appeal."

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