Theres a very real chance LCC could win it. Whilst it makes sense that it should get the green light nobody truely knows how the planning officer will see it and on which side he will fall. Nobody on either side could give a geniunely unbiased view on proceedings so it is impossible to know until the result is announced in early april. The case for development is a strong one but don't think for a minute that it is a foregone conclusion. Theres still major battles to be won during this inquiry yet.

In the year 2011, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living England and said, "I see your country has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing, along with a few good humans."

He gave Noah the drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - But no Ark.

"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval because the Ark was over 30m2. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system.

My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission prior to building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site even though in my view it is a temporary structure, but the roof is too high. I had to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision.

The Local Area Access Group complained that my ramp was going to be too steep, and the inside of the Ark wasn't fully accessible, then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea.

I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many ethnic minority people I'm supposed to hire for my building team.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS-accredited workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the Customs and Excise seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "Does this mean you're not going to destroy England after all?"

"No," said the Lord. "The Government has obviously already beaten me to it!"

Now this is a work of genius... I am having it!

I have said this before, even banged to rights murderers get a barrister! There job is to serve their client and he is there to argue their case, no matter how flimsy it might be!

I suspect he is a very good barrister and I suspect he spends most of his time, and makes most of his money, arguing on the other side of the fence and not the side he find himself on at the moment! However, if straw clutching is required, that is what he will do to serve his client... and he seems to have clutched many straws so far!