Read the latest press released from Chocks - Go Away
Tuesday 20th June 2023 Appeal Hearing
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Dear Members and Supporters,
As you know, the Mongeham Airfield Appeal Hearing took place at DDC yesterday.
The first thing to say is no decision has yet been made.
The Hearing ran from 10am through the afternoon and focused on key issues of noise such as the impact on residents and the protected bird reserves and planning conditions. Other issues such as ground water and landscape were also discussed.
There was detailed discussion on each of these topics with the Inspector listening attentively to views from all sides and asking questions.
Thanks to your determined support, all three of the community's expert advisors were able to attend the hearing for the full day. Consequently they were able to argue the community's case and actively participate in all discussions.
Our team included representatives from Hayes McKenzie Partnership (acoustic consultant), Le Vaillant Owen (Planning Consultant) along with our specialist planning/environmental solicitor from Leigh Day who provided expert guidance on the very specific requirements of the law in respect of ruling out impacts on the protected bird sites.
The hearing has now closed and the Inspector has allowed a week for further discussion between DDC and the appellant to finalise their proposed planning obligation in relation to the protected sites.
The Inspector is expected to issue the decision letter within the next few weeks. We will keep you posted.
Together, our communities have done everything we could to oppose this over the past 2+ years. It's now for the Inspector to make a decision.
Fingers crossed and best wishes,
The CGA Team.