The Public Inquiry has now finished but there will be a long wait to know the outcome and whether the Glebe Field will be granted Village Green status.
Four days were spent at The Vine while evidence of past history was presented to the Inspector conducting the Inquiry, barrister Ms Annabel Graham Paul. 25 stalwart residents stood up to searching questions from the Q.C. representing the Diocese of Canterbury, Mr. Vivian Chapman, and did Goudhurst proud. For most of them it was the first experience of questioning of this kind but their honesty and sincerity shone through in spite of Mr. Chapman’s efforts.
Over 110 Evidence Questionnaires had been completed by supporters and played a fundamental rôle in putting our case. It was obvious from the references to individual Questionnaires that Mr. Chapman had read them all!
The Inspector will take some months to complete her Report and Recommendation which will in turn be considered by the Committee of Regulatory Services at Kent County Council which makes the final Decision.
There may be a further delay if the Inspector agrees to the Diocese’s request to postpone her Recommendation until the result of a relevant case is heard by the Supreme Court in November. If this is the case, the result will probably not be known until perhaps February or March 2015. We have of course resisted this delay.
We would like to thank all those who helped us with written and oral statements and others who cheered us along the way. Also, many thanks to Ben, Tobin and staff at The Vine for allowing the Inquiry to take place in such pleasant and central surroundings. The venue was selected and arranged by Kent County Council.
We put in a lot of hard work but were glad to do so as we all sincerely believe it is important to retain the Glebe Field at the heart of our community for the use of the community for generations to come.
Ed Bates (01580 212 129), Richard Hillier, Shiona Gardiner, Pamela Boniface, Barbara Stafford, Richard Bushrod, Donald Sargeant, Lynette Edwards, David Edwards.