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Post date: Jul 27, 2013 8:54:11 PM
This is an Urgent request from GlosVAIN for help to raise funds for the Appeal
You are no doubt aware that UBB has decided to Appeal against the decision of GCC’s Planning Committee to refuse planning permission. Their application to Appeal has now been accepted.
We have been working hard behind the scenes. We are in the process of agreeing terms with a very good Advocate who will represent us at the Inquiry.
GlosVAIN was granted ‘Rule 6 Status’ earlier this month. This entitles us to be equal partners in the Inquiry process. The first benefit of this status is that we will be working with UBB’s agent AXIS and with GCC to agree a bespoke programme for the Appeal. It is important for us that the programme fits into a time frame that will be suitable for our Advocate. At the Inquiry we will be able to put forward our case, using expert witnesses These witnesses will be cross examined. Our Advocate will also be able to cross-examine UBB’s and GCC’s witnesses.
The date for the Inquiry has not been finalised, but it is likely to start in late November 2013 or early January 2014 and last for 5 weeks. The Inspector will receive copies of all the comments that everyone has already made to Planning Committee, so any submissions to the Inquiry should be additional information.
There is a lot of work to be done between now and the Inquiry, including, for example, meeting the deadlines for submissions of the outline of GlosVAIN’s case – our Statement of Case – and of our key evidence - our Proofs of Evidence - and there is the crucial work of fund raising too.
Involvement of Other Groups and Individuals in the Inquiry
Other parties are entitled to speak at the Inquiry, but there is a hierarchy, with UBB, GCC and Rule 6 Status groups being at the top.
Categories with less status are:
· Interested Parties. This category applies to other groups who have been involved in the campaign. Their speaker will make a statement, and they will not be cross examined unless they wish to be. Cross examination would move their presentation slightly up the hierarchy.
· Community Evening. There will be at least one community evening, depending upon demand, when individual members of the community can have their say. It is best for the participant to provide the Inspector with a copy of what they are going to say in advance, as this enables the Inspector to listen without the necessity of making notes at the same time. We will send out more information about how you can participate in due course.
We really hope that you can help. Please, if you have ideas for fund raising or can help us in anyway, let us know as soon as possible.
Best wishes
GlosVAIN
Fund Raising
Our Advocate and Expert Witnesses are going to cost a lot of money. The more qualified our Expert Witnesses are the more credibility they will have at the Inquiry. We estimate that we need to raise at least £25,000. So if you have any ideas on how to raise funds, or are willing to help with the fund raising, please let us know URGENTLY.
You can also help by donating online, right now, securely with Paypal, by clicking the button above. Alternatively, you can donate:
* By bank transfer to Gloucestershire Vale Against Incineration: A/c: 41283111, Sort Code: 40-43-42, or,·
* By cheque made payable to "Gloucestershire Vale Against Incineration". Please send to: FAO Graham Smith, Quedgeley Parish Council, 9C The Old School House, School Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 4PJ.
Despite all the fantastic, hard work to get planning refused by GCC, this could all now be overturned - an appeal means UBB could yet get permission and go on to build the incinerator. There have been cases of contractors winning appeals and going on to build incinerators despite having had planning permission unanimously refused by the local council. This happened in Derby for example. This is a very real risk. We've come this far - please help ensure this doesn't happen in Gloucestershire!
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