Mid Suffolk wins the battle

The Rookery Farm hearing took place at Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC), (Council Chamber) in June 2007 and lasted for five days. Evidence produced by both sides has been carefully taken into consideration and the formal decision was issued on Friday 24 August, 2007.

MSDC has been pursuing enforcement action against Mr Clarke for over five years. Mr Clarke's appeals were both dismissed and his claim for costs against MSDC has also been turned down. The Inspector thought that the site was "chosen in hindsight to suit a claim for industrial use of that land" but that the boundary of the site selected was "purely artificial."

The next step for MSDC is likely to include the pusuit of an action for an extended injunction in the High Court at the earliest opportunity.

Details of the appeal can be found here. (opens in a seperate window)

Details of the appeal decision can be viewed here. (opens in a seperate window)