THE APPEAL HEARING BLOG

This is the "blog" as written during the Public Inquiry.... its a useful insight into what happens at such an event.

FIRST DAY MARATHON (Wednesday 28th)
The appeal is underway and it started on time at 1000. 

ALTERNATIVE PLAN ACCEPTED
The inspector had considered the revised plans (No arena, different road layout, Eastern pedestrian access) and accepted them.. It is these plans that are being considered at appeal

SUSTAINABILITY OF SITE TESTED
One of the grounds for refusal was the "sustainability " of the site in terms of transport.  IE you'll need a car really to get there.

SRFC are proposing a four minibus "shuttle service" from parts of Stroud to the site as one of their suggestions.  The new Eastern access route - it is claimed - will also help promote cycling.

Stroud Counci's witness - from the County Council - had his view and experience tested by Counsel for SRFC. 

TIM PAYNE
Rugby Player Tim Payne gave evidence as to the need in Stroud for better facilities - both playing surfaces and clubhouse facilities

LISTED BUILDING / CONSERVATION AREA
The afternoon was taken up by cross examination of SDCs expert witness on the IHCA and policy for development near listed buildings.  The covenant on the land was also considered.

Again Counsel for SRFC did the job he is paid to do and tested the witnesses knowledge, experience and evidence

SECOND DAY MARATHON (Thursday 29th)
We started the second day early - at half past nine. At the start of play the Inquiry was still officially set to last just three days .. but everyone knew that it was going to overun! Contingency plans were being put into place.  By the end of the day it was agreed that a fourth day would be required.  This will be on Thursday 5th June.

APPEAL OFFICER QUESTIONED
David Corker from SDC was first in the chair and facing tough questioning from SRFC's Counsel. Topics debated ranged from the need for additional playing fields in and around Stroud, to the difference between "public" and "private", to how such things are measured .. to the need for (or not) of satellite playing sites.

SRFC WITNESSES
Paul Fong who has championed the SRFC plan was the next to take the stand. He was questioned at length by the SRFC barrister and tied down on various bits of nitty gritty detail. In no particular order he was asked about alternative options to Eastington, the layout of the prooposed development, the uses of the clubhouse and many other matters.

Again its hard for a layman to "keep score" because each side is testing the weak bits of the opponents presentation. No one says "Now then, that was a fine chapter you wrote on whatever .. we totally agree" !

THIRD DAY MARATHON (Friday 30th)


See Citizen Newspaper article ( pdf file )


Another 0930 start and amazingly a 1745 finish... and still it has to go to four days (See below - final day Thursday 5th June)

TRANSPORT THEORIES EXPLORED
After furious cross examination of the Councils transport expert on Wednesday, there was no way that SRFCs transport witness was going to get anything other than a thorough testing of his skills and theories.  And so it proved.  The clock ticked by and the questions continued.  !

FIRST EASTINGTON WITNESS
The first of the Eastington "third party" witnesses took the stand.  We were scheduled to do this in the afternoon but Pauline had work commitments.  The Inspector agreed to let her talk ahead of time.

Pauline was able to make strong points about the impact of external parking on Spring Hill and Churchend. 

LISTED BUILDING EXPERT
Also on today was SRFCs expert witness on old buildings and conservation areas.  Again much detailed questioning.  KER was able to help out with an accurate 1839 Tithe map of Eastington which proved rather handy in establishing the historic credential s of the appeal site (It is in fact the LEAZE PARK for the old house)

LANDSCAPE EXPERT / LIGHTING EXPERT
SRFCs lighting expert explained why 60 foot high Floodlights dont cause light pollution in Newtown or Chipmans Platt.  Had he been to William Morris house or any of the gardens then? - err NO.  A mis calculation - The expert had forgotten that if you cut all the trees down by the bus stop to make an entrance you can then see through from William Morris house to the appeal site!

SRFC PARENT
Who diligently answered that yes her two children would always use the club minibus to travel to Eastington and they would never ever feel tempted to use the car.  (!)

RFU REP
Who explained that SRFC are fab and that unfortunately the RFU cant give them any money.

EASTINGTON WITNESSES
And then we had the chance to have OUR say.  Everyone spoke for themselves.  KER has never seen itself as a "representative organisation" but simply as an "enabling hand".

Alison Brown (consultant for the Parish Council) had her say and raised important matters about the rural nature of the land, historic value, noise and parking issues in Newtown and Churchend

Tom took apart SRFC's projected use figures for Sundays - revealing they were 150% UP on the saturday figure quoted as the busiest day.  As the whole "transport plan" is based on the Saturday figure this will cause SRFC some pain.  Tom was challenged on his claim that all the kids would be on site all morning.  Tom pointed out that SRFCs has claimed all week it wanted all the kids on site all morning to maximise revenue at the club house ...  and had used this fact to justify the move to Eastington.  NO FURTHER QUESTIONS!!!

Mark challenged SRFCs claim that they had no idea that putting the scheme in an IHCA and next to a listed building would be a problem until a week before the Council meeting it was refused at.  Mark pointed out anyone living locally could have told them that as the rules are so tough you have to give six weeks notice to cut the trees.  (A handy get out of gardening excuse for lazy husbands this...!!)

Mark (Millend) further challenged SRFC's view that non rugby activities need not be considered in the impact the development will make on the area.

Liz explained in simple words what the Covenant meant and why it applies

Dave explained why allowing access from the East is a very bad idea - and an idea that has not had any public consultation at all.

Mark (Newtown) explained how public parking at Newtown was bouind to expand .. and pointed out how silly it was to suggest a 60ft high floodlight pointing directly at his house would have no impact!

Alice explained how the quiet tranquil setting of Chipmas Platt and Churchend is vital for the health and security of residents of William Morris House.  A move by a noisy rugby club with big events and lots od stragers would be terrible for the community wjo would have to seek quietness elsewhere.

Colin explained how SRFC membership fees were totally unrealistic in the modern world and how a rise to more reasonable levels would cover the current annual deficit.

Alex gave them all something to think about over the weekend.

Phew!

FINAL DAY (THURSDAY 5th JUNE)
The final day of the appeal and Eastington residents - plus support from Rodborough - once more attended.  KER handed in to the inspector a professionally presented summary of all the third party evidence given on Friday.

The first part was haggling over legal agreements that would come into force if the scheme gets the go ahead.  Its a bit odd this as everyone has to keep a straight face - especially the Inspector.

There were lots of standard clauses (Eg protecting trees) but several key concessions.  SRFC agreed that the Clubhouse would be prohibited from opening after 12 midnight.  Whilst some might like an earlier date that would have been difficult to achieve. 

Also achieved (after representation from KER) was the condition that the site cant be used until the car parking, road access and transportation plan are in place.  The Inspector specifically picked up on KER's point about WHEN the transport plan kicks in. 

A local journalist (SNJ - they left last Friday before any 3rd party comments were heard !) asked if we were happy with the conditions.  a long pause .. then the answer "we remain firmly aginst the plans ... however if they are approved measures like controlling parking and limiting hours are welcome".  Who know what the headline will say!

After that it was the time for the two sides to sum up via their respective Counsels.  First up was Stroud District Council who laid out their arguments (well worn)

Second up was the brief for SRFC who went on considerably longer, picked holes in the SDC summing up, and was highly critical of the abilities of certain SDC staff!  I don't know why he felt the need to professionally attack people doing their job to the best of their ability .. but he did!

And that was it!  The Inspector said he hoped to have his decision by the last week in July but it could be the first week in August.  And he closed the appeal.

Afterwards - with representatives of both sides - he toured the area around Eastington Park House .. and went around the house too.