Appeal Final Stages and SWOG

Couldn't believe that Midlothian council advised they were submitting another (late) response to our response to their appeal statement. How many responses can there be? Kingsley said he had been reviewing the appeal documents (?really) and when he read the letters from the DPEA he though he could have another bite at the cherry. I didn't think this was correct and right enough, the DPEA wrote to advise it wasn't correct procedure and the comments have not been accepted.

Just as well. If Armstrong and Bowie had late comments returned then even if procedure had been followed, the fact that the councils attempt was late would have irked.

Then we had a discussion with Kingsley about our far away wood stores that have been in-situ for well over 10 years. What a surprise, someone raised an enquiry about them and planning had to check it out. 

I'm actually getting ready for a bunch of local folks who are coming to see the woodland soon and join us for a house party. I have asked that no one brings us wine or gifts but to bring a plant or quirky woodland item that they might want to leave for posterity. I have designs on making the woodland a community woodland and have an annual event - bit like the gardens open scheme but for woodland. There is so much to do to improve the woodland and I am looking forward to everyone coming in and giving me their ideas.

Some interesting news today is that I have been asked by Small Woodland Owners Group to write 2 good length articles on our woodland and planning matters. I'll look forward to doing that next month by which time we should have the DPEA report as well. I'm also looking forward to exploring the suggestion that our woodland activities might in some way have compromised the Scottish National targets for improvement of woodlands.......as my nephew used to say - I kid you not.

This is the swog link.

http://www.swog.org.uk/

Here's the letter from the DPEA to the council

Our ref: PPA-290-2014

Dear Mr Drinkwater

PLANNING PERMISSION APPEAL: ERECTION OF TIMBER DECKING, BOUNDARY FENCE, ALTERATIONS TO PATH, FORMATION OF ACCESS STEPS AND ERECTION OF GUARD RAIL; RP9, THE WATER TOWER, CEMETERY ROAD, DALKEITH, MIDLOTHIAN, EH22 3DL

I refer to your email of 17 August 2011 which attached further comments. The appeal procedures do not allow for your Council to submit further comments in response to the appellant’s submissions on the Planning Authority Response Form and supporting documents lodged by your Council.

As all exchanges of information have now taken place, the statutory process is now complete. The Reporter has decided not to accept your further comments.

Yours sincerely

CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY

Case Officer

Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals

4 The Courtyard
Callendar Business Park
Callendar Road
Falkirk