The 29th of September 2009 was a Tuesday. The Public Inquiry was held at the Liphook Millenium Centre starting at 10:00 a.m.

My McKensie friends were, my nephew Jonathan de Mounteney, Bob Milton, Jim Colbourne and my friend Sophie.

I was surprised at how many people had turned up, presumably because of their interest in the common land. 

On the dot, in walked the Planning Inspector—a diminutive, suited figure with a very self-assured manner. Having dealt with the initial business of the meeting, she then addressed the audience by saying that if any of them had come with an interest in the common, they should leave immediately because any mention of the word ‘common’ would incur costs against them. At this point, most of them stood up and left.

I could not believe what I was hearing.  How could I make my case without mentioning that a significant part of the claim for a bridleway link was on registered common land?

But that was not all. You may remember that the Planning Inspectorate had asked me to be the Advocate since the Hampshire County Council had decided to object. However, the inspector asked me not to state my case but to just confirm my use of the track. It sounded as if a quick resume of my personal use was required, but then she kept me on the witness stand until lunchtime to be cross-examined by the opposition lawyers.

The Objectors were the landowners or, in the case of HCC, the land leaseholders. They appeared not to be acting in the public's interest.

With my hearing failing and a decided resonance in the Liphook Millenium Centre, I had another two days to listen to their lawyers.

I was not allowed to open the proceedings by stating my case as I had been asked to do by the Planning Inspectorate.
2009 -4-3 from Planning Inspectorate 

Next time: Fast forward to December when the Decision is received.

All 'TCHCC' Parts so far