Coombes Farm - why we're in this mess

Edited from an earlier post, but remains pertinent.

If Eric Pickles had not issued his letter, supporting the Planning Inspector's refusal, and directing Planning Authorities that Regional Strategies are revoked with immediate effect, and the same letter to be regarded as material weight in decisions on planning matters, we would not be in this limbo period and, most importantly, Colonnade's plans would be no longer.

That's because the Planning Inspector refused Colonnade for a number of reasons, most signifcantly due to the land being designated green belt. She made no reference to Eric Pickles' letter. That came with a supporting document, in addition to her own decision, from the Secretary of State. However, the two documents form the whole refusal, and it was enough for Colonnade's legal team to seize upon as one of the reasons for its appeal for Judicial Review, and subsequent success in getting the consent order from the High Court to quash the planning decision (refusal) of 22nd July 2010.

Moreover, the now infamous "Eric Pickles' letter" is the subject of ongoing High Court Action by Cala Homes, effectively on behalf of various national developers, including Colonnade (Peter Village QC acts for Cala, as he did for Colonnade).

If Eric had kept quiet it would probably be game over for Colonnade. We would not be here in this period of uncertainty, two years after plans were first submitted. The Planning Inspector gave sound and robust reasons for refusing Colonnade, which should withstand any Judicial Review. So much for the new Government's proposals for planning issues! It hasn't helped Coombes Farm at all. In fact, quite the opposite as it's kept Colonnade's candle flickering for a little while longer. Eric, this is not a good start. You were given poor advice and the result is an impression of incompetence and rubbish decison making.