On day one of the inquiry the DNPA presented two witnesses; Colin Jarvis (Planning officer) and Rupert Lane (head of trees and woodlands). Dan also presented his evidence on behalf of the project and was examined by our own solicitor.

On day two Dan was cross-examined and this went on for over four hours. Two other people, Simon Fairlie (planning consultant from Chapter 7 low impact development advice group) and John Laflin (Local supporter) also appeared as witnesses on our behalf. Local objectors also got their chance to raise their concerns and to cross examine the witnesses.

The proceedings took longer than the time allotted and so continued onto a third day with closing statements and negotiation over the conditions that will apply, should the appeal be granted. After the inquiry there was a site visit to the woods by the planning inspectorate.

We felt that things went very well and that the strength of our case was well represented. We didn't expect to hear the result of the hearing for a couple of months but were told the findings would be presented in the of the 26th August.

The decision was issued in September, and we heard it first from the media phoning up to learn our response to the bad news. So much for everyone hearing the decision at the same time! By the time we had done TV and newspaper interviews for both the local and the nationals, we STILL had not offically been informed that we had lost our appeal. Anyway, here is our response to the news.

We may write a more indepth report on the inquiry if we get time. Hopefully we will also be able to obtain computer copies of the various witness statements (both for and against) and place them on the website so that you can judge for yourself.

Any of the party's directly involved in our appeal against the DNP's decision on our planning permission could have requested a public hearing. The alternative would have been meant the matter was dealt with behind closed doors with written submissions. We thought that a public inquiry would be the fairest way to get all side heard so we suggested this and the inspector agreed.

The inquiry takes a form similar to that of a court hearing with witnesses being heard and cross examined by the other parties solicitor, adjudicated by the planning inspector. The public may also air there views at the enquiry and any letters sent to the inspectorate before the deadline will also be taken into consideration.