Sarum Farm - TrustNews May 1989
An Informal Hearing into the Appeal against the refusal of planning permission to develop two dwellings at Sarum Farm was heard on 12th April in the Saxon Suite. The turnout of the general public, which numbered over 40, was very encouraging, and indeed taxed the resources of the Guildhall to seat them all.
The Inspector made it plain that he would encourage contributions from the floor and he certainly received them. More than 10 people spoke against the Appeal, and their comments were marked by their clarity and strength; one person read from what might be described as the gospel according to Ridley, which reminded the Inspector that his Minister had promised to leave key matters of conservation to local citizens and their Councils; it is to be hoped that the Inspector made a note of it. Only one person spoke in favour of the Appeal although his jerky delivery disguised the direction of his sympathies.
Mr Paul Rowley, the City Council Planning Officer, gave an excellent case against the Appeal: the high standard of presentation was what we have come to expect from him. Before the meeting was adjourned to the site itself, the appellant's planning consultant produced a letter from the District Councillor of Sparsholt, Mr Jock MacDonald, about which he spoke in denigratory tones and dismissed as irrelevant. However, he underestimated us on the floor and after some mauling the consultant must have wished that he had not referred to it. In fact after we had read the letter on site, it turned out in our view to be highly relevant, as it described earlier dealings which the appellant had had with planning bodies. It was encouraging to see the number of people who reappeared at the site, despite it being by then lunchtime. The appellant personally was questioned by those present and some of what was said to him proved not to his liking.
Before reopening the meeting on site, the Inspector had been encouraged to pay a quick visit to the Country Park so that he could see the type of countryside beyond Sarum Farm; the existence of this Park seemed to be of significance to him and suggests that more could be made of it in future Inquiries. The fact that he bothered to visit the Park was an indication of the fair way in which the Inspector conducted the Hearing.
Whatever the verdict will be - it is expected in 6/8 weeks - the growing strength of public opinion and their concerted support for the City Council's defence of the existing City boundaries is a matter of encouragement and hope for the future.
Stop Press 11th May
I've just heard that the Appeal has been dismissed by the Inspector.