Helioslough: "Council ignored the first inspector" (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Helioslough: "Council ignored the first inspector"

4:00pm Friday 18th December 2009 in

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THE council was so desperate to refuse the railfreight project it did not properly consider Helioslough's planning application, the company's barrister has claimed.

Martin Kingston told inspector Andy Mead: “Simply disagreeing with the Secretary of State is not a planning reason.

“Mr Reed's points would be perfectly reasonable if this was the first time round, and you will note there was no application for costs at the first inquiry.

“They thought that if they could throw in as many reasons for refusal as possible, they only had to sustain one to avoid a full costs award.”

The costs debate ended at 3.55pm, at last concluding the four-week inquiry, with Mr Mead due to visit the site with the barristers on Monday morning.

He has not said how long he will need to give his written judgement, which will include a ruling on costs, but it is likely to take at least two months.