Two things I picked up.
John Francis is very good and presented very well. He gave the impression of being here before and was well used to the questioning. Reminded me a bit of Sir Rodney.
The LCC guy came across as weasely to me in comparison.

Second, I was in line with the inspector so I could see his reactions. He wrote quite a few notes when John was talking but he didn't write one note while the cross examined and as Clan said he looked a bit fed up and forced a break so John Francis could stop talking after 3 hours.
He rambled on too much and argued about irrelevant points to me. Got to hurt his credibility with the inspector.

Sorry, but could you just clarify.
Do you mean the LCC guy rambled on too much.
Not nitpicking , just like everyone else desperate for news.
Thanks for the report by the way.

I think from day one starting with the demonstration and all of the presentations to date have been first class. The whole affair has been professional. All credit must go to all concerned there has been an awful lot of research and preparation = alot of hard work.

I was there all day, the LCC guy did like to ramble on over the same point for more than was needed, it seems they have very little to work with within their objection therefore are dragging out the interpetation of certain policies and rulings referred to within the respective reports in relation to greenbelt use.

The inspector seems to be on the ball and seemed to be taking note of any important points made, then at end made sure the matters discussed were clear. I got the impression at the end of the evening with certain suggestions he was making he was giving tips to make our case even stronger, for eg. getting letters of interest for the industrial part of the site etc

John Francis presented our case very well, and I think its important to note that his experience within these matters can't be disputed. He said along the lines of that the newmarket development is one of the most impressive projects he has come across where a stadium and other developments are tied hand in hand and also made clear to the inspector that the glasshoughton option is a lot less likely to happen than newmarket at this point in time.

Hi Wrenstudent.
Who were the guys on the left at the big table? I thought I recognised them but not sure what their role is.

Also, the LCC guy started and his mike didn't work so just started talking. The inspector looked to the public and asked if we could hear him.....a big shout went up from the corner where Clan and James Elston were..."NO!" The inspector smiled and the LCC guy got a bit sulky Very funny.

The Cas take on the days proceedings.....


I'm waiting on confirmation on a few things from the inquiry today, but here's a couple of titbits of info I've had today (waiting for 100% confirmation of these so don't take them as gospel yet, just updating where I can):

Yes a letter was produced, but it did not state that the Stadium would be the first thing to be built.

Colin Mackie (Yorkcourt) walked out when John Francis was being put under pressure by the LCC barrister

Never trust what an armadillo says, they just say what they want people to hear I can confirm this one 100%

It's really not looking good for Wakefield today, hoping to have a more comprehensive update over weekend.

Exactly mate.
I am interested what has been said as I am interested about the outcome but I feel I have to filter some of the comments as it is easy to be overly positive/critical depending on your viewpoint.
As an example (Not being funny or personal) 'The LCC guy came across as weasely to me in comparison.' is just the kind of comment I mean (again not being funny PopTart).

The LCC barrister lost his composure a little when Mr Francis Kept using the word interpretation in fact after he read a letter out to the inspector he became bitchy and twisted the true meaning of the letter and the said this is my interpretation of this letter. People around me and including myself laughed at such childish antics, and lost what little credibility he had with the inspector, who also had a smile on his face.

They are almost wetting themselves on their hate-filled forum in excitement at the thought that the PI will fail. And the usual suspects are happy to whip up the frenzy. Sadly the 'in the know' people on there know diddly squat about the situation and the number of inaccuracies on there is amazing. But let them have their time in the sun. Their world will come crashing down around easter.

Well it's got to be one of either Richard wright or little minded alfred

Speaking as a lawyer, the best way to prevent something being looked at again by the courts and being overruled is ensuring that everyone has their fair crack of the whip, however irrelevant or nitpicking, and then make the decision based upon what is actually relevant. Chill.

Absolutely. I understand what you mean about my comment. That is how he came across to me but of course I didn't really want hum to be a good guy subconsciously did I.
What I will say though is that if it were just about the facts the inspector could just read the papers and make a decision. To present well is very important and I was very reassured with Mr. Francis as our witness.